Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority have discovered a stone seal from the First Temple period near the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, Israel. The ancient seal bears a name inscribed in ancient Hebrew script and a winged figure.
“The seal, made of black stone, is one of the most beautiful ever discovered in excavations in ancient Jerusalem, and is executed at the highest artistic level,” said Dr. Yuval Baruch and Dr. Navot Rom, excavation directors from the Israel Antiquities Authority.
“The object, which was engraved with mirror writing, served its owner both as an amulet and for legally signing documents and certificates.”
“It has a convex cut on either side, and a hole drilled through its length, so that it could be strung onto a chain and be worn around the neck.”
“In its center a figure is depicted in profile, possibly a king, with wings; wearing a long, striped shirt, and striding towards the right.”
“The figure has a mane of long curls covering the nape of the neck, and on its head is a hat or a crown.”
“The figure raises one arm forward, with an open palm; perhaps to suggest some object it is holding.”
There is an inscription in paleo-Hebrew script on both sides of the figure: LeYehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu.
“We believe that the seal was worn as an amulet around the neck of a man named Hoshʼayahu, who held a senior position in the Kingdom of Judah’s administration,” said Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologist Dr. Filip Vukosavović.
“By virtue of his authority and status, Hoshʼayahu allowed himself to ennoble himself and flaunt a seal with an awe-inspiring figure engraved on it — one embodying a symbol of authority.”
“It seems that the object was made by a local craftsman — a Judahite, who produced the amulet at the owner’s request. It was prepared at a very high artistic level.”
“The hypothesis is that upon Hoshʼayahu’s passing, his son Yehoʼezer inherited the…
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