A 6,000-year-old ivory vesse uncovered near Be’er Sheva will be presented to the public for the first time this week by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).
In 2020, the ancient ‘amphoriskos’ (Greek for “jar”), traditionally utilized in ancient times for the storage of oils and wines, was discovered in fragments during excavations at Horbat Raqiq, an ancient trade hub dating back to the Chalcolithic period. Following its discovery, the vessel was meticulously restored to its original form by the IAA.
“It is gorgeous and exceptional in its design,” remarked IAA archaeologist Dr. Ianir Milevski. “The small side handles are symmetrically arranged, with two handles set into the vessel’s neck and two additional handles vertically below them at its base.”
Researchers are now conducting biomolecular analyses on the ivory to trace its origins and explore the ancient trade routes further.
“This find deepens our understanding of the Chalcolithic period and of the cultural and exchange ties of our region with both neighboring and distant cultures. If it was manufactured here, it reveals the high standard of craftspeople who dwelt here, who knew how to treat ivory and also knew elephant anatomy,” Milevski said.
The Chalcolithic period is notable for technological and cultural advancements, including improved methods of pottery making, architecture, and the emergence of more complex social structures and trade networks. Multiple archaeological sites in Israel have yielded a variety of Chalcolithic artifacts dating between 4500 and 3300 BCE, which include copper tools, beads, figurines, and evidence of early metallurgy workshops.
