Artistry in Ivory

KOBY HARATI / COURTESY OF THE CITY OF DAVID ARCHIVES AND THE ISRAEL ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY

Excavations on Jerusalem’s southeastern ridge, which was the heart of the city during the time of the biblical kings, have yielded a rare and precious find: a small piece of ivory, less than an inch tall, carved in the shape of a woman’s head. Broken in half in antiquity, the face exhibits narrow eyes, prominent lips, an Egyptian hairstyle, and a headband with a small square element on the side. Given its diminutive size, the piece likely decorated a larger object, such as a piece of fine furniture.

The ivory was discovered in a layer of fill material that was securely dated to the seventh century BCE. It is likely, however, that the decorative piece is older, given that luxury items were often kept for multiple generations. This means that it may even predate Judah’s vassalage to Assyria, providing important insight into the kingdom’s early participation in the broader commercial and cultural world of the Near East.

This depiction of a woman is a unique prize, since carved ivories discovered previously in Jerusalem depict only geometric or floral motifs, perhaps reflecting the biblical taboo on graven images. The ivory head thus suggests that Jerusalem’s wealthy embraced the latest styles from across the region, which often featured similar female portraits. Nevertheless, it is difficult to know what exactly the piece meant or symbolized, as it is different from other female head depictions, which typically adorn statues, sphinxes, or window balustrades.