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Rare 6th Century BCE Female Figurine Mold Found in Jerusalem Changes Understanding of Judahite Craftsmanship

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First reported by Ynet · Jul 27, 2026

What happened

Archaeologists in Jerusalem discovered a rare 6th-century BCE mold for casting female figurines, proving some Judahite clay figurines were made locally. This find reshapes understanding of ancient craftsmanship in Jerusalem. The Tower of David Museum will offer a family activity to explore the site and artifacts.

01A rare 6th-century BCE female figurine mold was found in Jerusalem’s Kishle compound.
02This is the first evidence that some Judahite figurines were made in Jerusalem itself.
03The mold was discovered during First Temple period excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority.
04Figurines typically break at the neck due to separate head molding and hand-shaped bodies.
05The figurines’ purpose is debated, ranging from fertility symbols to toys or amulets.
06The Tower of David Museum will host a family activity to explore the archaeological site.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

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