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DAVIDA EISENBERG-DEGEN (SCARAB AND SHELL) AND DAFNA GAZIT (FIBULA), ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY

TOMB FINERIES. The sheer variety of treasures discovered at the Negev site speaks to the extent of the Arabian trade network. This scarab, though made in Egyptian style, likely came from Phoenicia, where such objects were commonly produced. The spectacle fibula, used for clasping a cloak or robe, is similar to fibulae found in southern Europe, where they are often associated with female burials. In addition, various seashells, like this large cyprae shell from the Red Sea, were either worn as jewelry or used in various temple rituals. Similar shells have been discovered at temples in Petra (Jordan) and Berenike (Egypt) where female deities were worshiped.