A second recently published ostracon measures 4 inches by 4.5 inches and records the plea of an
amah for some of her deceased husband’s property. This ostracon may help pinpoint the meaning of
amah, perhaps as the female version of
ebed, which means “servant” but is used to refer to a royal official. The Royal Steward inscription on a tomb in Silwan says the steward was buried with his
amah.
Both of the newly published ostraca came to light on the antiquities market and belong to collector Shlomo Moussaieff. Both are considered authentic according to laboratory tests and the opinion of expert paleographers.