Rare Casting Mold Unearthed at Tower of David Sheds Light on First Temple Period Figurines

Archaeological excavations at the Kishle area within Jerusalem's Tower of David Museum have uncovered a rare casting mold used to shape the face of a female figurine dating back to the First Temple period. The excavation, led by Dr. Amit Re'em and Dr. Eila Zilberstein of the Israel Antiquities Authority, revealed the mold during soil screening from deposits dated to the First Temple era. This discovery is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in Jerusalem in recent decades, providing a continuous historical narrative from the time of the kings of Judah through various periods up to the British Mandate.

The mold was carefully cleaned and restored by pottery conservation expert Tamar Gonen and reconstruction specialist Selva Klindukhov, who recreated the detailed facial features and curly hairstyle of the figurine. Until now, while many clay figurines from the First Temple period have been found in Jerusalem and Judah, no production molds had been discovered, raising questions about whether these figurines were made locally or imported. This mold is the first of its kind found in Jerusalem, offering direct evidence that at least some figurines were produced in the city itself.

The figurines date from the late First Temple period, between the 8th and 6th centuries BCE, typically standing 10 to 20 centimeters tall. They are usually found broken at the neck, as the heads were molded separately from the bodies. Research identifies three main styles: female figurines known as "Judahite pillar figurines" with distinctive hairstyles and hands under the chest, horse figurines, and animal figurines. Originally, these white-coated objects were painted in red, yellow, and black.

Debi Ben-Ami, curator of the Iron Age at the Israel Antiquities Authority, noted that the exact role of these figurines remains unclear. Their widespread presence in homes, streets, and tombs suggests they were everyday objects. The female pillar figurines have been variously interpreted as fertility goddesses, possibly Asherah, children's toys, or protective amulets meant to bring blessing and luck to households. The newly discovered mold may provide fresh insights into these debates.

Heritage Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu commented that according to rabbinic sources, the First Temple was destroyed due to idolatry, immorality, and bloodshed. He said the mold offers a tangible glimpse into the spiritual and cultural world of Israel's kings and prophets during that era. Though small in size, the find is significant as it connects textual sources, archaeological evidence, and research, reminding us that Jerusalem continues to reveal living chapters of Jewish history in the land.