Volunteer discovers ancient decorated bowl at Israeli dig

A volunteer recently uncovered a colorful and intricately decorated bowl dating back to the Abbasid period of the 9th or 10th century, at Khirbet Hevra near Rehovot.

Meir Elchassid, a volunteer from Rehovot, stumbled upon the ancient glazed bowl during a communal archaeological dig. The bowl’s vibrant patterns and historical significance have thrilled experts and enthusiasts alike.

Itamar Taxel, an archaeologist with the Israel Antiquities Authority and the surveyor of the site, explained the cultural and historical context of the bowl.

“In Israel, the pentagram is recognized as an artistic-magical motif common during the Islamic periods,” he said. Taxel also highlighted the intriguing aspect of the bowl’s preservation. It appears that ancient repair efforts were made on the bowl, involving drilling holes and threading materials like metal wires or lead, which have since deteriorated.

Attracting volunteers to learn their own history

According to the IAA, the excavation is part of a larger community initiative by the Brenner Regional Council in cooperation with the authority. Now in its second season, the project has continued to attract volunteers from across the country, eager to connect with their heritage and discover more about their local history.

Gilad Stern, the community coordinator from the IAA, emphasized the project’s open call to volunteers.

“We encourage all adults to join us in this exciting exploration. Every day brings new and impressive discoveries,” he said.