‘Atiqot 108 (2022)
ISBN 978-965-406-764-5
A Ceramic Zoomorphic Figurine from Tel Bet Yeraḥ (
85–88)
Nadeshda B. Knudsen
Keywords: Sea of Galilee, art, cult
A well-made ceramic zoomorphic figurine was recovered from a domestic EB IB context (Stratum V) in the southern part of Tel Bet Yeraḥ. The physical characteristics of this figurine suggest that it was intended to represent an equid, possibly a donkey. Such animal figurines are common at Early Bronze Age sites, usually representing familiar domesticate animals. The purpose of these figurines remains obscure, with multiple suggestions offered, including their use as toys, talismans, teaching aids, exchange tokens, or for rituals.