Natufian artistry and burial practices at 12,000-year-old Ein Gedi - Chalcolitic Temple settlement. High-quality lime plaster discovered in large quantities, quality exceeding later Pre-Pottery Neolithic examples Over 20 intact and broken pieces of art found including engraved bone items and jewelry Famous human face sculpted from a pebble discovered at the site
The artistry at 12,000-year-old Ein Gedi - Chalcolitic Temple reveals sophisticated Natufian culture. Over 20 art pieces found including a human face sculpted from a pebble, plus disc and cylindrical beads from seashells and local rock. High-quality lime plaster even exceeds later Pre-Pottery Neolithic examples. Human burials were placed beneath buildings, including a woman under a wall that was carefully dismantled and rebuilt around her. 🏺
Key Facts
- High-quality lime plaster discovered in large quantities, quality exceeding later Pre-Pottery Neolithic examples
- Over 20 intact and broken pieces of art found including engraved bone items and jewelry
- Famous human face sculpted from a pebble discovered at the site
- Exquisite bead production with disc and cylindrical shapes from seashells and local rock
- 12,000-year-old human burials found inside the settlement under buildings
- One woman was buried under a wall with evidence of careful wall dismantling and rebuilding
- One young woman covered with lime plaster after burial in a pit with three more bodies placed on top
- Animal remains show hunting of young antelope, turtles, rabbits, water birds, and fish
Related site: Tsutskhvati Cave Natural Monument — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: NEW | The 12,000-Year-Old Discovery That Re-Wrote History Books by Ancient Architects