A rare Judean Pillar Figurine mold, dating to the First Temple period, was discovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) during archaeological excavations in the occupied Old City of Jerusalem. This find, the IAA stated, marks the first time such a mold from that era has been found in Israel, offering direct evidence of local production for these ancient figures. The artifact, used to cast the face of a female figurine, emerged from the ground within the Tower of David Museum, where work is underway for the new Schulich Wing for Archaeology, Art, and Innovation.
Archaeological Control in Occupied Jerusalem
IAA Excavation Directors Dr. Amit Re’em and Dr. Ayala Zilberstein confirmed the mold's discovery while sifting soil from First Temple period fills and accumulations. They noted the ongoing Kishle excavation continues to yield surprises. Dr. Re’em described the find as one of the most significant archaeological excavations in Jerusalem in recent decades, asserting it presents the city’s history in a clear, continuous sequence from the Kings of Judah through the British Mandate. This framing by Israeli authorities positions their archaeological work as the definitive narrative of Jerusalem's past.
After its discovery, Tamar Gonen, an IAA ceramics conservation and restoration specialist, meticulously cleaned the artifact, revealing its finely crafted facial features. Subsequently, conservation specialist Sviatoslav Klindukhov created a cast, producing a full reconstruction of a female figurine's face, complete with a detailed curly hairstyle. This process, managed entirely by Israeli state institutions, controls the presentation of ancient history.
While clay figurines from the First Temple period are common across Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, the IAA noted this is the first production mold found in the city itself. This discovery provides direct evidence that at least some of these figurines were manufactured within Jerusalem, resolving a long-standing question about their origin. Three main types of First Temple figurines have been identified: female Judean Pillar Figurines, horse and rider figures, and zoomorphic animal figures, primarily horses. These clay objects, typically 10 to 20 centimeters high, were often covered in a white coating, with traces of yellow, red, and black pigment indicating their original painted appearance. They are frequently found broken at the neck, a result of their manufacturing technique where heads and bodies were made separately.
Shaping Historical Narratives
The precise function of Judean Pillar Figurines remains a subject of scholarly debate, according to IAA Iron Age Curator Debbi Ben-Ami. She explained their presence in nearly every household, as well as in streets and tombs, suggests they were objects of everyday use. Scholars have proposed various interpretations, including representations of a fertility goddess like Asherah, children’s toys, or household amulets intended for protection and good fortune. Ben-Ami believes the newly discovered mold might offer fresh insights into these questions.
Ben-Ami also highlighted the apparent contradiction between the use of these figurines and the biblical prohibition against graven images, quoting Exodus 20:3: “Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any manner of likeness.” She acknowledged the lack of definitive texts explaining their use but emphasized the archaeological reality of their widespread presence. "Personally, I see them as a mediating figure," she stated, suggesting they might have been used to seek blessings. This interpretation, offered by an Israeli state archaeologist, contributes to the official understanding of ancient Judean practices.
Eilat Lieber, Director and Chief Curator of the Tower of David Jerusalem Museum, expressed excitement over the find. She articulated the museum's foundational idea that Jerusalem’s past continues to shape its present. Lieber announced that visitors this summer will have the opportunity to participate in archaeological research by sifting soil from the Kishle excavations, positioning the public as partners in preserving and revealing the city’s heritage under Israeli institutional guidance.
Contested Interpretations
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu offered a distinct interpretation, linking the discovery to religious narratives. He stated that, according to Jewish sages, the First Temple was destroyed due to idolatry, sexual immorality, and bloodshed. Eliyahu claimed the mold offers a "tangible glimpse into the world in which the prophets of Israel lived and into the spiritual and cultural realities they confronted." He asserted that such artifacts make history "real and immediate," framing the pottery piece as telling "the story of the beliefs, customs and spiritual challenges that characterized the capital city in ancient times." This ministerial statement explicitly connects archaeological findings to a specific religious and national narrative, reinforcing Israeli claims to the land and its history.