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ERICH LESSING / ART RESOURCE, NY

AT-HOME HELP. An important aspect of the relationship between archaeology and the biblical texts is the extent to which they diverge. Over time, for instance, the work of archaeologists has revealed that the so-called “popular” religion of everyday Israelites differed significantly from the official religion described in the Bible. One clear demonstration of this is the significant number of fertility figurines like these found in residential contexts at sites across Judah. The discovery of these and various other cult objects in household contexts, particularly in areas where domestic activities took place, suggests that the residents—and especially women—performed ritual activities as part of their daily routine.