Ghassulian

Ghassulian culture is typified at Teleilat Ghassul and Nahal Mishmar. A cave “Cave of the Treasure” containing 400 ceremonial copper objects made by the lost-wax method is also a great Ghassulian corpus. 10 copper crowns. Standards with animal heads, some with ibexes. Figurine standards. Scepters. Perforated disks. Chisels and hammers. MAce-heads. Other finds include hippo tusk objects, elephant ivory box, flint implements, linen fabric (some had blood stains and others even pockets), sandals and a wicker basket. Evidence for copper working. Arsenical copper used in the cultic objects in the hoard is easier to cast but harder after casting; it is not used on the chisels which is surprising. More attention is being paid to the cultic objects. En Gedi. Typical of Ghassulian chalcolythic architecture.

Written by      First published April 8, 2009      Last modified August 21, 2011
Questions? Feedback? Encouragement?