Tell el-Mazar II: Excavations on the Mound 1977-1981. Field I 9781407310299, 9781407340081

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BAR S2430 2012

Tell el-Mazar II Excavations on the Mound 1977-1981 Field I

Yassine & van der Steen

Khair Yassine Eveline van der Steen

Tell el-Mazar II

B A R

BAR International Series 2430 2012

Tell el-Mazar II Excavations on the Mound 1977-1981 Field I

Khair Yassine Eveline van der Steen

BAR International Series 2430 2012

ISBN 9781407310299 paperback ISBN 9781407340081 e-format DOI https://doi.org/10.30861/9781407310299 A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

BAR

PUBLISHING

Table of contents Foreword

iii

Introduction 

1

Tell el-Mazar Field I: Stratigraphy 

5

Tell Mazar Mound A: the Open Court Sanctuary of the Iron Age I

17

The pottery of Field I

25

Production and exchange of ceramics in the Central Jordan Valley during Iron Age IIc Niels Groot 

41

A beer jug with a female head attached Régine Hunziker-Rodewald 

47

Ammonite and Aramaic inscriptions from Tell el-Mazar – Khair Yassine and Javier Teixidor 

49

Ammonite seals from Tell el-Mazar 

53

Weaving at Tell el-Mazar: the Loomweights Jeannette Boertien 

59

Chipped stones from Tell el-Mazar Muhammad Jaradat 

73

Conclusion

81

Pottery plates

87

Catalogue of Complete Pottery 

133

Catalogue of objects 

155

Appendix: plant remains found at Tell el-Mazar Reinder Neef 

163

Bibliography 

167

Foreword Khair Yassine

Cemetery was published as a separate volume (Yassine 1984). Research publication of the excavated materials of this manuscript partially was made possible by a generous grant from the Shelby White – Leon Levy fund 1 . However, the volume of the excavated materials – pottery and other – was vast, and only a part of it could be studied in the time available 2 . The present publication focuses on the central part of the excavation, although some of the pottery of the P- and Q-squares on the edge of the tell has been included.

In 1969 the University of Jordan started looking out for an excavation project at a major site, so as to provide its students with practical archaeological training. At the same time the university also aimed at developing its facilities ultimately in the various phases of archaeological research, e.g. restoration and conservation; laboratory analysis, documentation, and building its own archaeological artefact collection and archives. In the same year the University started on a joint expedition with the university of Leiden in the Netherlands, represented by Prof. Henk Franken, to excavate the site of Tell Jalul, 5 km to the east of Madaba. Unfortunately the excavation was aborted because of continuing Israeli bombing of the area in the summer of 1969.

Staff of excavation consisted of the following people: 1977: Father Pierre Proulx, SJ, Dr. A. Hopper, Barbara Porter, Elizabeth Simpson, M. Mac Clinan, Fuad Hassan, Imjahid Muhaysen, Omar Yunis, Rabha Yassine, Janiet Millen, Dr. Zeidan Kafafi.

In 1977 an agreement was drawn up between the University of Jordan, the Department of Antiquities and the University Museum of Pennsylvania to resume the excavation of Tell es-Sa’idiyeh. Dr. James Pritchard of the University Museum and Dr. Khair Yassine were to be co-directors. However, after ten days of excavation Dr. Pritchard became aware of the possible dangers on the site as a result of the many unexploded artillery shells from the hostilities following the six-day war between 1968-1972. Dr. Yassine was asked by Dr. Ghrayba, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, which housed the department of Archaeology, to find another site. The site of Tell Mazar was chosen as a location that would be ideal for student training. Because it is a multi-period site that has been constructed almost entirely of mudbrick, it provided archaeology students with a complex and challenging stratigraphy. The climatic conditions of the location were ideal for excavation during the school’s winter semester, fitting in perfectly with that semester’s curriculum. Furthermore, students graduating in the fall were encouraged to join the expedition, since most jobs and army recruitment usually did not begin until June or July. The University Farm in the Jordan Valley and its facilities, classrooms, laboratories, kitchen, and dormitories were well-suited for the use of the expedition, serving both as a camp and as a teaching facility.

1978: Father Pierre Proulx, SJ, Emsaytif Suleiman, Nabil el-Qadi, Khairiyh ‘Amr, M. El-Muragtan, Frida Stoll, H. Rothe, Anne Rossell, M. Mayer, Rabha Yassine, Aiesh Abu Helal. 1979: Dr. A. Hopper, Emsaytif suleiman, Al Abu Daiyah, Ali Sa’idi., I. Haj Hassan, I. Tayeb, Aiesh Abu Helal. 1981: Emsaytif Suleiman, A. Abu Daiyah, Ali Sa’idi, Hilda Ayub, Hanan ‘Azar, Sabah Abu Hadaib, Abdel Nasser, Hamad Qatamin, Nesfat Mohmud, ‘Aiesh Abu Helal. Architects were Langer de Polaski and Mahmud Adam Photographic processing: Sarkis Labejian

The 1977 campaign was sponsored by the University of Jordan, while the campaigns of 1978, 1979 and 1981 were sponsored by the University of Jordan and the Department of Antiquities as a joint expedition. The staff consisted of students from the University of Jordan and from abroad, and employees of the Department of Antiquities, between ten and fifteen individuals in all seasons. This volume contains the final publication of the four seasons of the excavation on the main mound and the sanctuary on mound A . The excavation report of the

                                                            

1 The Shelby White-Leon Levy Program for Archaeological Publications, Harvard University, The Semitic Museum, 6 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138

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Introduction ‘drip’ irrigation, on the other hand, tends to increase salinity.

Geography and ecology Tell el-Mazar is situated in the central east Jordan valley, approximately 3 km north of Tell Deir Alla and 5.5 km south of Tell es-Sa’idiyeh (UTM coordinates 745630E 3568033N; WGS 32.222/35.606; see map 1). Although the mound itself does not exceed 3000 square meters in size, it rises to a height of ca 24 metres above the surrounding plain (fig. 1). The tell itself is a man-made mound, with no natural hill below it.

Fig. 1. Tell Mazar, looking north (photo: Kh. Yassine)

Map 1. The East Jordan Valley

The Jordan Valley forms a narrow trough between Lake Tiberias and the Dead Sea. It is about 100 km long, and its width varies. Near Jericho it is 25 km, at Kereimeh it is ca 8 km. The Jordan Valley is one of the lowest regions on earth, its base being 225 m below sea level at the north end of Lake Tiberias, and sloping down from there. At the north end of the Dead Sea its present (2012) level is ca 420 m below sea level. By Tell Mazar the Ghor is 250 m below sea level. From west to east the Jordan valley consists of: The Zor, the narrow flood plain shaped by the river Jordan, ca 40-50 m below the valley floor; The Katarrh or badlands, on either side of the Zor, cut by numerous gullies, and consisting mainly of marl; The Ghor. This is the actual valley floor, on either side of the river flood plain. The soil of the valley floor consists of fluvial and eolic deposits, varying from clay to fine sandy loam. It is defined as Yellow Mediterranean soil, very fertile, but this fertility is hampered by the high salt level of the soil, the result of the occasional layers of Lisan marl that underlay and interleave with the topsoil. These layers also affect the ground water, particularly of the Kurnub aquifer, and this salt accumulation renders the Jordan river below lake Tiberias of little value for irrigation.

This salinity of the soil partly determines the natural vegetation of the valley (particularly of the Zor): Euphrates poplar and tamarisk have a high salt-tolerance. Because of its position below sea level, the valley has a climate that is much warmer than that of the surrounding hill country. Average temperatures range from about 14o in January to around 32o in July and August (Dept. Of Statistics, Statistical yearbooks). Because of this, crops in the Jordan Valley ripen on average 3 weeks earlier than elsewhere in the region, giving it a significant economic advantage. At nearby Deir Alla the average rainfall between 1950 and 1970 was 267 mm, enough for dry farming on a marginal level, although the seasonal and yearly variations in rainfall make dry farming risky. Frost is rare, but night frost does occur occasionally, and can devastate crops. The nearest water source for Tell el-Mazar is the Wadi Rajib, about 1.5 km north of the Tell. The Wadi Rajib used to be a perennial stream, but is now a seasonal wadi. In addition, old maps show that several canals were diverted from the Zerqa, running north along the foothills and turning west, passing Tell Mazar on both the north and the south side. These canals went out of use and finally disappeared after the replotting of the grid during the deployment of a new irrigation system (the East Ghor Canal project) in 1966. The East Ghor Canal, which draws water from the Yarmuk river in the north, runs along the east side of the tell.

The soil’s salinity is one of the main problems of the Valley. Native soils tend to be higher in salt than soils that have been irrigated for several years, because excess water provides natural drainage. The modern efficient 1

TELL MAZAR much less, and at Pella it is missing altogether (Herr 1992:175) suggesting that Mazar was on the edge of a cultural region, and may have been part of the border territory. Eventually the small tribal kingdoms of Ammon, Moab, Edom, Israel and Juda would be overrun by the rise of large empires from the North: the Neo-Assyrian, NeoBabylonian and Persian empires, all of which used the Jordan Valley as a thoroughfare for their expeditions into the southern countries. Tiglath-Pileser III (745-27) subjected Ammon and forced it to pay tribute. It became a vassal state, together with Moab and Edom. Neo-Assyrian influences can be found in the material culture of Tell Deir ‘Alla, Tell ‘Adliyyeh, Tell es-Sa’idiyeh and Tell Damiya. Tell Damiya was a Neo-Assyrian centre situated strategically on an east-west crossroad on the River Jordan (Petit 2009:187, 226). Hübner suggests that the Jordan Valley with the eastern foothills, although still culturally ‘Ammonite’, was turned into the separate province of Galaad (Gilead; Hübner 1992:189-90 with references). The vassal state of Ammon flourished in the 7th century2. The province of Gilead was home, among others, to the iron smelting industry around Mugharet el-Warde (Veldhuyzen and Rehren 2007). Hübner is adamant that this industry was never part of Ammon (Hübner 1992:150), which means that it must have been part of Gilead3. Initially the Babylonian conquest did not significantly change the political map of the region. Gilead, which had been an Assyrian province, now became a Babylonian province. However, in 581 Ammon was stripped of its vassal status and also became a Babylonian province. The incorporation of Ammon as a province in the Babylonian empire coincided with a slow decline in the settled population and an increased nomadization of the population (Hübner 1992:210-11; Geraty et al 1987). Existing villages and towns became smaller, and some disappeared altogether. Nevertheless the large sites in the Jordan valley Deir ‘Alla, Mazar and Sa’idiyeh remained settled, as did some of the smaller sites, testifying to the continued importance of the region. After the Persian conquest in the middle of the 5th century both Ammon and Gilead became Persian sub-provinces, part of the Satrapy ‘Beyond the River’. The Persian and Hellenistic periods in the region are still relatively unknown, but the settlement pattern, which continues from the previous period, shows the continued relative importance of the region.

History Tell el-Mazar forms part of a complex of sites in the East Jordan Valley that were all occupied in the Late Bronze and Iron Ages. The two nearest main sites of this complex, both of which have been excavated are Tell Deir Alla and Tell es-Sa’idiyeh. A bit further removed to the north are Pella and Tell Abu Kharaz. In between these main sites is a large number of smaller sites, all occupied in the Late Bronze and/or Iron Ages. This density of occupation testifies to the importance of the region. It was not only economically important because of its climate, but it was also a crossroads, connecting north and south, as well as east and west (van der Steen 2004:213-251). Towards the end of the Late Bronze Age an Egyptian trade route ran from Beth Shean towards the Amman Plain, crossing the river first by Pella, and later by Tell es-Sa’idiyeh. This route must have passed Tell Mazar, which was inhabited during the late Bronze Age, as shown by the large number of Late Bronze Age sherds that were found by successive surveys. The excavator believes that at all times was the Tell connected to the main towns of the district in this part of the Jordan Valley, and dependent on the internal administrative organization of the district and the degree of security it provided. As a result the historical stratigraphy of the Tell is entwined with that of Tell Deir Alla and Tell es-Sa’idiyeh, of which it was a sister town. At the end of the Late Bronze Age settlement declined in the Jordan Valley, as it did elsewhere, but on most of the large sites settlement continued, or was resumed after a short break, albeit on a smaller scale. Iron Age II saw the rise of the tribal kingdoms of Ammon, Moab and Israel. The biblical tradition claims that Ammon became a kingdom before Israel, i.e. before the 10th century. There are no external sources for this, either textual or archaeological, but settlement patterns suggest that the Amman plateau saw increased settlement during Iron Age I, prior to Cisjordan (Younker 1999:208). It has been suggested that large tribal confederations were in control of the region, and over time developed into tribal kingdoms (Labianca 1999; Younker 1999:208-09; van der Steen and Smelik 2007). Whether the Jordan Valley, the region dominated by Tell Mazar, Tell Deir Alla and Tell es-Sa’idiyeh was part of the Ammonite kingdom (and later the province of Ammon) is a matter of debate. Biblical tradition suggests that at the end of Iron Age II the western border of Ammon was the Jordan river. Various scholars on the other hand, considered the Wadi Zerqa to be the western border of the kingdom (MacDonald 1999:43 with references). Sauer suggests, on the basis of the material culture, that the Valley was eventually incorporated in the Ammonite polity (Sauer 1985:212). Herr (1992) defines the Ammonites as an ethnic or cultural group which was well defined in the Iron Age II, and extending into the Jordan valley as far north as Mazar, and possibly Tell esSa’idiyeh, but absent in Pella. The material culture of Tell Deir Alla and Mazar is predominantly Ammonite (Groot 2011:96), although at Tell es-Sa’idiyeh, 6 km north of Mazar, this influence is

 

                                                             2

Contra Petit who concludes that the late 7-6th century BC left archaeologically hardly any traces of occupation, suggesting a more nomadic lifestyle (Petit 2009:187) 3 However, Hübner wrote before the smelting site of Hammeh was discovered. It is now clear that the iron industry flourished here from at least the 9th century onwards, long before the Assyrian conquest and the creation of the province of Gilead. It must therefore have been part of the Ammonite kingdom.

2

INTRODUCTION character. A large piece of green glass, weighing probably from three to four pounds, was placed in the wall near the door of entrance” (Buckingham 1825:12). When Thomas Molyneux explored the river Jordan by boat in 1847, he ran into trouble at Abu Ubayda, which was at that time the boundary between the territories of the Beni Amr (to the north) and the Meshaleha to the south. Molyneux was exasperated by the extortionate protection fees the southern tribe demanded, and decided to ignore them, which proved to be a serious mistake. The expedition was robbed, and forced to flee back to Tiberias (Molyneux 1848:120-21). Two years later Francis Lynch also explored the river by boat, and came past Abu Ubayda. He mentions the village, but without describing it (Lynch 1849:230). Not one of these travellers seems to have noticed the large tell that dominated the landscape west of the village, and it was Nelson Glueck who first described it. Glueck both visited the tell, and observed it from the air. He describes it as a prominent hill, commanding a view of the Ghor in all directions. From the air Glueck noticed the outlines of a fortification wall encompassing the circumference of the top of the site. Glueck also remarked upon the vast quantities of pottery he found: “On the top and slope and around the base of Tell elMazar are very large quantities of LBII, Iron Age I-II sherds of all kinds, with a seeming predominance of lron Age II sherds. There were also some Roman and Byzantine sherds. With the exception of Tell Deir ‘Alla, no other site in the Jordan Valley that we examined produced more or larger pieces of Iron Age pottery than Tell el-Mazar” (Glueck 1949:302). In later surveys the Tell figures more prominently, among them the survey by Henry de Contenson in 1953 and the Jordan Valley Survey (Ibrahim, Sauer and Yassine 1976,1988; site 103). In recent years the small shrine of Abu Ubayda in the village has been replaced by a major monument and mosque, which dominates the small village (fig. 2).

Recent sources “Mazar” means burial shrine, and the tell is named after the nearby burial shrine of Abu Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah, who was one of the ten original companions of the Prophet Muhammad, and a commander of his army.

Fig. 2. Mosque with the shrine of Abu Ubayda in Mazar Abu Ubayda (photo: Kh. Yassine) The shrine is situated about 1.5 km east of the Tell, in the village that is named after it Mazar Abu Ubayda. It was first visited by John Lewis Burckhardt in 1812, who saw a small domed tomb surrounded by a few peasants’ huts, with a guardian (Burckhardt 1822:346). Four years later James Silk Buckingham described the Mazar as follows: “a small village of huts, collected around a mosque, built over the tomb of some distinguished personage, who had given his name to the place. This Abu-el-Beady was said, according to the traditions preserved of him here, to have been a powerful sultan of Yemen, who died on this spot on his way from Arabia Felix to Damascus; but of whom no other particulars are known. The tomb and mosque appeared to be very ancient, and both were ornamented with a number of Arabic inscriptions in a square formed

 

3

TELL MAZAR

 

4

Tell el-Mazar Field I: Stratigraphy Introduction preserved to a height of 40 cm, there was a stone pavement (F102) that may have belonged to it (fig. 4). On top of this pavement were some heavy layers of debris, containing mudbrick rubble, charcoal, fragments of plaster and much pottery.

Tell Mazar has been occupied from the Middle Bronze Age onwards, judging from the pottery that was found on the surface. The excavations on the tell itself, which were conducted over four seasons, unearthed a sequence of occupation from the Late Iron Age onwards, with occasional trenches into earlier settlement layers. Excavations on the top of the tell uncovered an area of 30x35 m. Another area was opened on the south slope of the tell, of 30x25 m. This chapter deals with the area on the top of the tell. Six occupation layers were found, which are described below. During three of the five major periods of settlement that have been uncovered the tell was an administrative and/or military centre of the occupying empire to which it was subjected. Major buildings occupied the tell in these phases. The oldest stratum for which a meaningful architectural context could be reconstructed based on the excavated area was Stratum V. Isolated loci from the preceding strata have been excavated in only a few squares. They could not be connected, but since they all immediately preceded Stratum V, these excavated features have been incorporated into Stratum VI.

Fig. 4. Stone pavement F102 in square LE4 In two nearby squares, LF3 and LG5, deposits and surfaces were excavated below the surface levels of Stratum V. In LG5 a surface (F100, locus 12) was found which has been ascribed to stratum VI, with burnt debris containing large bones. According to the preliminary report (Yassine 1988:92) this area had been used to house animals, mainly gazelle. Unfortunately the bones found here have not been preserved in a state that made it possible for them to be analyzed. In LH3 part of a building belonging to Stratum VI has been excavated, consisting of a north-south wall and an east-west wall connected to it, both of mudbrick (W106107-108). The photo (fig.5) shows the orientation of this structure, which is almost exactly north/south – east/west (the long wall being parallel to the east section, visible on the photo). This orientation diverges from that of the succeeding stratum V. In the northeast corner of the square a slab-and-stone pavement belonging to these walls was found (F107), with a layer of mudbrick and straw on top.

Stratum VI (fig. 3)

The strata below Stratum V have only been touched upon in these two squares. The fact that at least some of them did not follow the general orientation of the later strata adds to the assumption that ‘Stratum VI’ consists, in fact, of several strata. It is clear however, that the buildings to which at least some of these walls belonged were large and well-built. It is possible that, like the strata that followed it, this stratum or these strata served some kind of public function, and the walls belonged to an administrative centre, serving the Assyrian empire.

Fig. 3. Topplan Stratum VI. In square LE4 a mudbrick wall was found below a heavy wall that belonged to Stratum V, W101. The lower wall had the same orientation as the Stratum V wall on top of it. East of this lower wall, which was 1.15 m wide and

5

TELL EL-MAZAR The surrounding wall has been encountered in the southwestern part of the excavated area. It was a casemate wall, consisting of two parallel walls, each ca 1 m wide, connected at (regular?) intervals by narrow walls (fig. 7; [LE1]W102 – [LE2]W100-W101 – [LE3]W100 – [LE4]W100 – nn – [LE5]W100 – W101 – W102 – [LF5]W101 – W102 – [LG5]W100 – W101 – W102 – [LH5]W100 – W101 – W102). All these walls were built of mudbrick, and no stone foundations have been found. In some of the casemate rooms pottery was found as well as other objects.

Fig. 5. Walls in square LH3

Stratum V (fig 6a,b) Stratum V was excavated mainly in area L, the southern and western squares. It consisted of what was probably an elevated square courtyard, surrounded by an enclosed area and a double wall. (fig 6a and b).

Fig. 7. Casemate walls of Stratum V. Looking north. The southwestern ‘corner room’ (square LE5) contained a mudbrick basin, against the partition wall, surrounded by much pottery, as well as a group of loomweights (fig. 8). The floors of at least some of the casemate rooms were plastered, eg in square LF5. These narrow rooms (often no wider than one meter) saw some domestic activity, although it is likely that they were used mainly for storage. The architecture in the southern squares is obscured by the many pits and later architecture, but it seems there were some utility rooms with hearths and remains of pottery as part of the casemate structure. A shallow bowl containing bird bones was also found here.

Fig. 8. Room with mudbrick basin and loomweights in Stratum V In the space surrounding the central courtyard evidence was found for domestic activity. In square LE2 was a built-up fireplace, next to a mudbrick bench-like structure

Fig. 6a. Topplan Stratum V and 6b. Isometric view of Stratum V 6

STRATIGRAPHY (locus 26; fig. 9), and in square LF3 a semi-circular installation, possibly a cooking device, was found in deposit locus 14.

Fig. 11. Ash layers in the north section of square LG4. floor. The western corridor again had a mud floor (LF3 locus 13). The main entrance to the complex was on the west side, in square LE1. It was a double entrance, forming a small guard room in the casemate wall. In this room several remains of a domestic nature were found that were dated to Stratum V: loomweights and storage jars filled with grain, and a large basin (locus 20, fig. 12).

Fig. 9. Fireplace (L26) next to a mudbrick bench Further south, in Square LF4, were remains of a thick plaster floor, which seem to belong to this phase (locus 33,35). In the southwest corner against the inner casemate wall was a narrow enclosed space formed by two brick walls, that may have been a storage room ([LF4]W104 – [LG4]W102). A basin was found in this room (locus 12), made of mudbrick (fig 10), next to a small pit.

Fig. 12. Topplan of square LE1 Str. V, with the ‘bathtub’. It has been suggested that this basin, which is described as a ‘bathtub’ was used for textile processing (Loom 1: Boertien, this vol). This suggests that the entrance, and with it the guard room went out of use, most likely towards the end of the period, after which the function of the room changed into a domestic or industrial use. To the north of this entrance a stone pavement was found. On this pavement was a beer juglet, with a relief of the goddess Astarte on the neck (fig 79,80; Yassine 1988:91; Hunziker, this vol.). To the south of the large complex, bordering the outside of the casemate wall, was a plastered stone surface (LH5 locus 25), suggesting activity outside the wall on this side. It is possible that the entrance to the building was moved here after the west entrance went out of use. It is also possible that there were outbuildings here, which have eroded away.

Fig. 10. Workroom square LF5 The space to the south of the central courtyard may have been used for the stabling of animals, at least in the final phase of use, before the walls of Stratum IV were built, since a thick layer of animal waste was found over the whole area. It is visible as a black and white layer in the sections (fig. 11). In the same timespan the room in square LH5 seems to have been used as a stable or as a storage for straw. There were remains of straw on the 7

TELL EL-MAZAR The destruction layer that covers this Stratum is burnt in many places. There was obviously a violent destruction at the end of the phase, but it seems that its administrative function had ended before the destruction. Stratum V has been dated by the excavator to the 8th-7th century, a date that is borne out by the finds. The style of the building has been categorized by the excavator as of ‘Syro-Hittite inspiration’. Comparison of the pottery with that of Deir Alla (see the chapter on Pottery) suggests a date contemporaneous with Deir Alla Stratum VII.

The main courtyard had a paved floor, covered with plaster (LH3 locus 19; fig 13 – southeast corner of the central courtyard building, in square LH3). Some narrow walls were built on top of this, probably in one of the latest phases of use of the building. It is possible that in these phases the building was used for squatter occupation, which would also explain the secondary use of the gate room in Square LE1. On one of the floors, in square LG2 an iron knife was found lying on the floor (fig. M024).

Stratum IV After the building of Stratum V was destroyed, there was a period of abandonment, and possible squatter occupation, during which the walls were allowed to disintegrate, before a new complex was built on the tell. The general orientation of this complex was the same as that of Stratum V, so the visible wall remains were probably still substantial. This might explain why so few of the walls had stone foundations: old walls were reused as foundations for the new ones. Several of the Stratum V walls were reused, but the final lay-out of the complex was completely different (fig 15a and b).

Fig. 13. Flagstone floor in square LH3 To the north of the main building was a small domestic unit, that has been interpreted as belonging to Stratum V, although there is no immediate physical connection between the two units. Two rooms of this unit have been (partly) excavated, with narrow mudbrick walls (([GE7]W106-107-108); fig. 14). The westernmost of these rooms was an oven room, containing the remains of a large tannur. Tannur fragments were also found in the east room, among the rubble (locus 25,26,29). The rooms contained much complete pottery. Charcoal and wood remains were also found here. The nature of this unit, which is clearly domestic, of relatively poor construction (compared to the rest of the stratum) and with a slightly different orientation, suggests that it may have been constructed at the end of the period, when the main building went out of use. Various other finds in and around the main building are indicative of a squatter phase at the end of Stratum V.

Fig. 15a. Topplan Stratum IV and Fig. 15b. Isometric view of Stratum IV.

Fig. 14. View of the small domestic unit to the northwest of the main building (Square GE7) 8

STRATIGRAPHY locus 11), on which remains of domestic activity were found: tannur fragments and the bronze handle of a pot. Ashy layers in the east part of the room indicate domestic use, related to cooking. Room 402 was likewise a domestic area, with cooking pots, animal bones and ashes found in the debris on top of the floor (LG2:F102 and locus 9). Other objects found in the debris were an iron and a copper bracelet, and a scarab. Since this was found in the fill layer that preceded stratum III, it is not certain where this material actually came from, because it may have been brought in as fill, but it was probably not far from the room. The floor of this room consisted of pebbles, also suggesting a domestic function. The room contained two basins (fig. 17) containing carbonized wheat, and a fireplace against wall W103.

In Stratum III this building was expanded and the central part rebuilt. However, many features from Stratum IV remained in use, and it is often difficult to discern between Stratum IV and III. Unequivocal remains from Stratum IV could only be recovered from the central area, where the platform for the Stratum III building had covered, and therefore preserved the remains of the previous occupation. In the north of the complex was a large stone-paved courtyard (fig. 16: 415; GF7 locus 17, GG7 locus 17, GH7 locus 12), which remained in use in the next Stratum. The stones were covered with a clay plaster. The northern limits of this courtyard have not been excavated. It was surrounded by rooms on the east, south and west side. The rooms on the west side remained in use in Stratum III, apparently without any changes.

Fig. 17. Pebble floor and basins in Square LG2 In room 404 cooking pot sherds were found, as well as much ash, charcoal and bones (LG2 locus 9), storage jars and large amounts of grain. Several of the rooms had tannurs and fireplaces, including room 407 between the hallway and the storage room, and room 408, to the southwest of the stone-paved courtyard. This room had a floor of beaten earth, and a tannur in the eastern half, in its latest phase of use (GG8 locus 24). Outside the building on the west side (area 410) was a paved area in which several more tannurs stood (LF2 locus 10, F102).

Fig. 16. Stone-paved courtyard in squares GF7, GG7 and GH7. The central area, south of the courtyard, was rebuilt extensively in Stratum III, on a higher level than the surrounding architecture, so that this is the only area where exclusive Stratum IV remains have been found. There seem to have been several entrances into this building, one in the northwest, in square GE7, leading into the courtyard through room 411a, and another to the south into the central wing of the building. A third entrance was in the east wall of the central structure, leading into a cobbled hallway or courtyard (GG8 locus 30) with rooms on the south and west side, and the paved courtyard to the north. To the west of the central hallway or courtyard were several small rooms. The main rooms, 408, 401 and 402 could be accessed directly from the hallway, but to the south there were several rooms, 403 and 404, which could only be accessed through other rooms. These seem to have had mainly a storage and cooking function. The floor of room 401 was covered with reed matting (LF1 locus 12, LG1

The northwest wing of the building could not be accessed directly from the hallway, but it could be accessed via the northern courtyard. This part was reused in Stratum III, but because the building and use-phase of Stratum III had largely removed its previous contents, it is not clear what its function was in Stratum IV. The building of Stratum IV has been interpreted by the excavator as a fortified palace of non-military nature. The central part, the rooms surrounding the central hallway, were a residential quarter. There are no signs of a destruction of any kind at the end of the period. 9

TELL EL-MAZAR

Stratum III Stratum III was an expansion of the building complex of Stratum IV. The courtyard in the north of the excavated area remained in use, as did the rooms to the west of this area. However, the central part was rebuilt, on a platform or podium, in order to make it stand out among the surrounding structures, and around it, on a lower level, were new buildings (fig 18 a,b. Fig. 18b shows show stratum III overlies stratum IV). Most of the outer walls of what would become the podium area were rebuilt, and were made heavier than they had been in Stratum IV. This was not only a cosmetic operation. These walls now had to support the pressure from the fill from the podium. Fig. 19. Reconstruction of Stratum III building. Two doorsockets were found inside the entrance, suggesting that the doors opened to the inside ([LH1]W100, fig.20), and the burnt remains of what may have been the doorframe were found on the floor of room 307 (Yassine 1988:85). The building now acquired two ‘wings’, extensions on both sides of the entrance. The rooms that formed these wings seem to have served domestic purposes, at least in their latest stage of use. We need to keep in mind that, unlike the architecture itself, the remains that have been preserved of this stratum belong to its latest phase of use, which may have been different from the earlier phases of use.

Fig. 20. Doorsockets inside the main entrance to the Stratum III building

Fig. 18a. Topplan Stratum III and Fig. 18b. Isometric view of Stratum III overlaying Stratum IV

Room 312 in the northern wing contained the burnt remains of a loom, including beams and a number of loomweights (GH8 locus 14 and see Boertien, this vol). Other finds in this room, among the burnt rubble, were an iron ring, part of a bronze bracelet and a horse figurine. Finally, four storage bins were found in this room (fig. 21), as well as much pottery of widely varying kind (bowls, jugs, juglets, cooking pots and storage jars), indicating a storage function for this wing.

Some of the inner walls of this central part were used as foundations for the Stratum III walls and rebuilt, but most of the inner space was reorganized. The eastern entrance of this main building remained in the same place, although it was narrowed compared to the earlier period. Leading up to this entrance was a staircase, one step of which has been found. A reconstruction of the building, made at the time of the excavation, shows this staircase (fig 19).

10

STRATIGRAPHY

Fig. 21. Two of the four storage bins in room 312. In the wing to the south of the main entrance large numbers of bones were found, mostly from large animals such as cows and camels. It has been interpreted as a slaughter area by the excavator (room 311, MA2 locus 15; fig.22). Another feature of this room was a hearth with large pebbles. Among the burnt rubble that filled the room were bronze fragments and a head of a pig figurine (Cat. F021).

Fig. 23. Iron dagger found on the pavement north of the building The rooms on the northwest corner of the main building had also been in use since Stratum IV. Here two rooms have been excavated (317a and b). The northern one contained burnt wooden beams, possibly remnants of wooden furniture (GE7 locus 24). In the southern room were four cylindrical stones, the remains of a pillar (GF8 locus 14). On the floor were some bones, and much pottery. The construction of the podium had widened the area to the west, and a new, heavy west wall had been built ([LF1]W100 – [LF2]W101 – [LF3]W100). The easternmost space on the platform structure was a large room or hallway, an extension of the hallway in Stratum IV. It originally seems to have had an L-shape. In square LH2 a layer of mudbricks was found covering the whole square (LH2 locus 11), which seems to have formed the original pavement of this hall. A layer of rubble was found on top of this, with much pottery in it. In a later phase of this stratum some small dividing walls were built into this hallway, indicating a change in function and creating a row of small rooms or niches, rooms 305-308. Room 306 had a plastered floor (GH8 locus 19), while the floor of room 308 was cobbled (LH2 locus 12). Finds in the rooms included a potstand in the northernmost room (305). In the mudbrick rubble that covered the floors of this Stratum, an iron knife was found in room 307, as well as some loomweights, a gaming piece, and several ostraca (see Yassine and Teixidor, this vol). Underneath this rubble were the remains of a wooden table, a limestone work bench, and a basin built of mudbrick, with two compartments, indicating that a variety of activities must have been going on in this little room (LH1 locus 7). Animal bones point to food production or consumption. Pottery and animal bones were also found in room 308 on the cobbled floor, also testifying to a domestic function for these rooms. All the rooms were filled with roof rubble, indicating that this area must have been roofed.

Fig. 22 Slaughter area in the south wing of the Stratum III building The main contents of the room south of this room, also in the southern wing of the building, seems to have been a large quantity of pottery. There was also much burnt organic material, suggesting a storage room function for this area (room 310, MA3 locus 15,17). To the north of the main platform the open, paved courtyard from Stratum IV remained in use (fig 16). The courtyard was paved with cobbles, over which a clay floor was laid. Several objects were found on this floor, such as loomweights, a jar stopper, an alabastron. In the rubble covering the pavement a broken iron dagger was found (fig. 23) In the final stages a small room was built in the southwest corner of this courtyard, possibly part of the change in function it underwent towards the end of its life (room 320, [GG7]W104 – W108; fig. 16b).

To the south of these rooms a larger room or hall was found, room 303 (fig. 18a), which has been interpreted as an industrial area. Much charred grain was found here, 11

TELL EL-MAZAR The large, impressive building that was Stratum III has been dated in the 7th-6th centuries, and named the ‘Palace Fort’. The architecture and finds suggest that the general function of the building in Stratum III was that of a garrison, possibly built by an Ammonite king, which indicates that Tell Mazar had become a centre of Ammonite administration in the Assyrian vassal state, although its function may have changed in the later part of its existence, when the residential and storage function of the various rooms became more pronounced. The excavated part of the building is suggestive of a general Assyrian/Babylonian architectural design.

and among it an iron snake figurine, as well as a greenstone cylinder seal, and a marble seal (LG2 locus 8, F101, LH2 locus 4.). A concentration of pottery was also found in the northwest corner of the room. An iron arrowhead was found on the floor. Room 302 also contained much pottery, and covered in the roof rubble were an ivory plaque, a stone weight and a scarab (LG2 locus 8). Room 301, to the north of 302, had a thick layer of wall plaster, and much charcoal was found on the floor. Several floor layers were found belonging to this stratum, some with reed matting on them (LF1 locus 7a-b; LG1 locus 10,14). A possible silo was found in this room (LG1 locus 3).

Stratum III ended with a fire that destroyed the building and left heavy layers of ash and burnt material over the whole excavated area. The building was burnt to the ground, and the walls that were still standing were baked hard by the heat of the fire. Remains of wooden furniture were found in several of the rooms, charred grain and burnt mudbrick were found in most spaces, inside as well as outside the building, covering it. Large numbers of vessels were found in the store rooms, as well as figurines of horses and other animals. This indicates that, while the inhabitants of the building managed to flee (no human remains were found in the building) they did not have time to remove any of the contents. This fire has been associated with Nebuchadnezzar’s expedition into Ammon in 582 BC (see introduction). Thick layers of burned debris were also encountered at Tell Deir ‘Alla VI, Tell Adliyeh 15 and tell ‘Ammata 9 (Petit 2009:227), which have been ascribed to the same expedition and destruction.

The northernmost room on the platform was room 304 (fig. 18a). This room had a paved floor of mudbrick, on top of which was a thin black layer of organic material, possibly reed, and much pottery (GF8 locus 26; GG8 locus 22). Also found here were remains of weaving activity: loomweights and a spatula. The newly built, western wall of the platform was strengthened with buttresses at regular intervals. Outside these walls were what may have been designated cooking areas, with fireplaces and tannurs. The walls from earlier Strata, notably stratum V were still standing to a certain height when Stratum IV and later III were built. They would have provided extra protection from the wind for this space outside the walls. However, over time the space between the walls of Stratum V and the later strata filled up with layers of rubbish. Fig. 24 shows how the area between the old walls of Stratum V and the Stratum III walls filled up over time. Various ashy floors between the rubble layers suggest that this area was occasionally used for cooking activities, which is also confirmed by the presence of oven fragments and fire places. The fire that destroyed Stratum III left its mark here as well, in the form of layers of burnt rubble and ash found in all squares.

Stratum II Stratum II was built over the burnt remains of the Stratum III building, probably after some considerable time, although the walls of the previous stratum must still have been visible, since the walls of the new structures followed the same general orientation (fig.25a,b). Fig. 25c shows the position of the buildings of Stratum II in relation to that of Stratum III. First some extensive filling and leveling operations were executed to create a suitable substructure for the building of the complex. A new architectural complex was built, consisting of groups of rooms around a central courtyard. The excavator has discerned three domestic units to the north of this courtyard, and a number of individual rooms on the east and possibly the south side. The area where the central courtyard was planned, was raised, and supported on the north side by a retaining wall. The courtyard itself was paved with stones, some of which were visible on the tell surface (fig. 26).

Fig. 24. East section of square LE2, showing accumulation layers. To the north of the building, north of room 317a, a wooden beam was found, suggesting there may have been another room here. The northern and eastern extent of this building has not been found, and it may have been much larger than the area excavated here.

Unit 1, adjacent to the courtyard on the northwest, consists of a minimum of four rooms (201,202,203,204 and possibly 205), although the northern limits have not been excavated so it may be larger. The finds in Room 12

STRATIGRAPHY 201 point to a domestic function: loomweights, a basalt grinding stone and fragments of a knife, as well as an iron nail that may have come from either the architecture (a door) or the furniture. Loomweights were also found in room 202 and 204. Room 202 contained several jar stoppers, suggesting a storage function.

Fig. 26. Remains of Stratum II visible on the Tell surface. Pottery was found in every room in this unit, but particularly in room 203, which had an earthen, possibly mud-plastered floor, with much broken but complete pottery on it. In Area 205, which may have been either a room or an open space, an installation was found, a circular structure of stones (GE7 locus 10), but as this was directly under topsoil, its function could not be determined. Unit 2, to the north of the central courtyard and to the east of unit 1, consisted of rooms 206,207,208 and 209. Loomweights were found in room 206, 207 and 208 (Boertien, this vol.). Room 207 also contained arrowheads, an iron knife and a horse figurine. In room 208 a cylinder seal was found, but as it was directly under topsoil, this may well have been intrusive. Pottery was found in every room, some of it clearly Ammonite. In room 209 a platform was built with two tannurs on it. The floor of this room consisted of a number of superimposed clay layers, looking like wash layers. It is possible that this was not a room, but a small domestic courtyard, in which cooking and baking took place. A cylinder seal was found on one of the floors.

Fig. 27. Some of the loomweights in Square HA7. The third unit, to the east of unit 2, consists of at least two large rooms. As the north and east of this area have not been excavated, it may well be larger. In room 210/212 a group of over 100 loomweights was found, lying in two rows, reflecting their position relative to the loom, of which unfortunately nothing was found (looms 11 and 12, Boertien, this vol; fig. 27, showing some of

Fig. 25a. Topplan Stratum II; Fig. 25b. Isometric view of stratum II; Fig. 25c. Isometric view of stratum II building overlaying Stratum III.

13

TELL EL-MAZAR opening at the top). The last group were more often found without any lining. These were found to have been used for chaff only, and not for storage of grain. The floor of one mudbrick-lined silo was found to be paved with small flagstones. Another silo-floor was paved with mudbricks, while many other floors were found to be of packed clay.

the loomweights). A possible weaving tool was found near the weights. The floor of this room seems to have been paved – it had patches of a pavement. Room 211/213 produced another iron arrow head. The room also had a paved floor, which was uncovered in the northern part. Room 211 also contained a tannur. Several more rooms or enclosed spaces were located to the east and south of the main courtyard. Room 214 in the northeast corner of the raised courtyard may have been an entrance room for either unit 2 or 3 (if it belonged to unit 2 that would mean that unit 3 had no direct access from the courtyard). It contained much wood and ashes, and tannur fragments, suggesting a kitchen area. Room 214 had access to another room to its south, room 215. In the mudbrick rubble that covered the floor of this room was an iron nail and a kohl stick (fig. B001). Near the floor was another scarab. Another room or rooms were defined along the southern edge of the courtyard, but these were too disturbed to reveal anything about their function, except for the fact that they seem to have had plastered floors. On the whole, although the complex seems to have been planned from the start, the execution was generally poor. Mudbrick was of poor quality, although improved with good quality chaff. The clay seems to have been taken from older disintegrated building rubble, and it was often difficult to discern between what was wall and what was rubble. In many cases reed matting was laid underneath the walls before building, apparently to prevent sinking and cracking. This reed matting provided a stable surface underneath the walls, and during excavation served as an aid to discern the walls from the debris. Some walls had stone foundations. The different units that formed the complex were clearly domestic. The excavator interprets them as private houses. This type of court complex is common throughout the Near East and is encountered in various periods.

Fig. 28. Topplan Stratum I, with numerous pits The rounded (barrel) shape of the granaries suggests that they had conical roofs, which, in many cases, were found collapsed at the bottom of the pit. The deposits in these granaries do not necessarily represent the initial, original use. In many cases they have been reused for storage or waste, judging from their contents which ranged from charred grain to pottery, copper, stone vessels and general rubbish (stones, animal bones, pottery fragments, loomweights, charcoal etc.).

Stratum I In practically every excavated area large numbers of pits and silos were found (fig. 28,29). Most of these could not be assigned to a certain period, as the level from which they had been dug in had eroded away, or disturbed by the modern graves (some of these graves may have been contemporary with the graves of Mazar Abu Ubayda cemetery). However, a large group of silo’s have been dated to the Hellenistic period, on the basis of the contents. Some of these pits were over 2.00 m in diameter and over 4.00 m deep. The construction method of the pits varied. Some had a brick lining which was preserved to a height of nearly 3.00 m. In a few cases stones were used in the lower courses, or bricks were used in the lower courses and stones nearer the top. Many pits were found with no lining whatsoever. In shape the pits range between cylindrical and ‘coneshaped’ (i.e. wide at the bottom, but with a narrow

Fig. 29. Silos in northern part of the excavated area. Looking west. The construction of these installations as granaries on the summit of Tell el-Mazar (they were also found on Deir Alla to the north and Sa’idiyeh to the south) had a good reason: the dry climate of the Jordan Valley, the lack of rain in summer, the high altitude of the tell relative to its surroundings, and the steep slope with its compact 14

STRATIGRAPHY deposits, all created the right atmosphere for grain storage. The steep slope allows rain to run off quickly, reducing the risk of it penetrating into the pits. The generally unprotected state of the granaries and silos shows that the region was relatively safe from looting or raiding. The presence of these deep pits with large stores of chaff and grain indicates large-scale storage, used as a security against famine, as a tax gathering facility, or as support for a military force. In this period the site apparently served as a supply depot. At the end of the fourth century BC settlement in the region had become very sparse, in contrast to the dense

settlement of the Iron Age II (Ibrahim, Sauer, Yassine 1976:26). Settlement was mostly found in the foothills of the East Jordan Valley. During this period Tell el-Mazar may have been connected with the urban centre situated 3 km to the east, Tell Ammata (Ibrahim, Sauer, Yassine 1976:58). The pottery and other artifacts recovered from inside these pits has been dated to the Early Hellenistic period (Lapp 1970:179). Abandonment of the site may have coincided with the rise of Alexander the Great.

15

16

Tell Mazar Mound A The open court sanctuary of the Iron Age I Khair Yassine

The archaeological site of Mound A lies roughly 220 m. northwest of the tell proper and occupies a little over one and a half dunams, with a maximum extant height of 1.80m above the surrounding fields. This report covers the results of the 1977, 1978 and 1979 field seasons, conducted on behalf of Jordan University and the Department of Antiquities. The work was directed by Dr. Khair Yassine.

The whole structure was destroyed, and the rooms were filled up very rapidly after the collapse of the roof and mudbrick walls. The fallen roof sealed the contents on the floor of Room 101. The western wall was extant to a height of 1.25m above floor level, while the eastern walls were preserved only to a height of about 0.60 m. The destruction took place at the end of the second half of the 10th century BC, following which the mound suffered two major disturbances. The first occurred in the 5th century BC, when the mound was used as a graveyard; the tombs were dug through the destruction debris and into the occupational surface of the building. As a result, the structure’s stratification was disturbed. The second disturbance took place in modern times, when a subterranean house was built, and the removal of soil for building material has caused substantial disfiguration in Square D4. Despite this, considerable insight can be gained into the construction of the structure and its religious complexity.

Room 100

Fig. 30. Excavated area of Mound A.

The whole area of the small low mound was laid out in a regular grid of five meter squares marked with numbers and letters (Fig. 30). The highest point of the mound is 249.10m below sea level. We do not include here the full list of loci dug in the course of the excavation; rather we present a selection from each level which, in our opinion, is sufficient to demonstrate its nature and character. There had been one major construction period of a building constructed on a very ambitious scale (about 624.00 sq.m) dated to the 11th- 10th century BC. No earlier buildings or constructions were found. This structure was almost rectangular in plan, measuring 24.00m from north to south and 12.60m from east to west (dimensions of mean outside exterior measurements). The building proper has a tripartite division (loci 100, 101 and 102), and an open courtyard (locus 103). The rooms and the courtyard were solidly constructed of mudbricks, forming walls with a width of ca. 1.20 m, except for the cross walls, which are 0.60m wide.

Fig. 31. Room 100

Three rooms were aligned facing the open courtyard. Room 100, in the middle, measured 4.25m by 2.50 m. The room is entered through a doorway on the south side, measuring 0.97m in width. In a later phase one course of bricks formed a threshold at this entrance to prevent the couryard’s ash from being swept into the room. A door socket was found just inside the entrance in the southwest corner of the room. This stone measured 0.20m in diameter. The east end of the room was paved with stones.

17

TELL EL-MAZAR

The remainder of the room was paved with mudbricks. A thin sprinkling of ash covered the entire floor. Two graves of the later period were dug against the northern wall, destroying a stone bench built against it. Only two stones of this bench remained in situ (Fig. 31). Apparently, this bench was built on top of the stone pavement at a height of 0,32m and about 0.35m wide (Fig. 31,32). The preserved west cross wall was only 0.40m high. It might have served as a low partition between this room and Room 102; alternatively it might have been also used as a bench. One fragmented pottery bowl was found on the east side of the room.

bowl was found at the south end of the west bench next to the stone basin, leaning against the bench (Plate 2AB), A bell-shaped storage pit or cistern with no traces of plaster was dug through the floor of the room (diam. 0.70m, depth of shaft: 0.50m) and opened gradually into a chamber at a depth of 1.50m below floor level (Plate 2A).1

Fig. 34. Room 102 The room has a hard floor covered with mudbrick materials and charcoal. This deposit remained after the collapse of the brick walls and roof, the later presumably composed of earth and brushwood set on cross-beams which were laid across the width of the room. The same roofing system was found in Room 100.

Fig. 32. Room 100

Room 102 Room 101 The east room was entered through a doorway on the south side, measuring ca 0,90m in width. The room measured 2.50m by 2.70m. Despite the damage caused by the later graves, there is enough material and information to establish the nature of the room and its function. The walls were preserved to a height of about 0.60m. Room 101 contained a mass of pottery vessels (Fig 35,36).

Fig 33. Room 102 The west room is 2.50m wide, the same as Room 100, and 4.60m long. It is approached through a door on the south side which measures ca 0.90m in width. Within the entranceway were found dark mudbricks intentionally blocking the entrance (fig 33). The room was surrounded along the southern and western walls by a low bench of clay 0.30m in width and 0.18m in height (fig 34). At the south end of the west bench a rose and yellow stone basin approximately 0.20m in diameter was embedded in the bench’s surface. A small stone was placed at the west side of the opening along the rim of the stone bowl to repair the broken portion of the basin rim. A deep pottery

Fig 35. Room 101

1

18

For cisterns, water and cult during the Iron Age cf. Lapp 1964:32

MOUND A: THE OPEN COURT SANCTUARY

floor’s level may have served as part of a stairway or an outer threshold (only partly excavated), the most striking feature of the courtyard was that it served a distinct function that could be deduced from the content of its different and varied loci. Only one deposit with different phases was found in the whole courtyard. It is a thick deposit, consisting of occupational levels made of ash and burnt materials. This thickness of the deposit is fairly consistent, ranging from 0.65 to 0.85m. In the ash there was a great quantity of pottery sherds, animal bones, grain, and fuel material, (brushwood and charcoal). The sequential arrangement of this deposit from bottom to top is as follows (Fig 37,38):

Fig 36. Room 101 The use of the room for storing pottery is readily intelligible from the excessive quantity of vessels found filling the whole room. The pottery deposit gave the impression of having fallen from shelves (Fig 35). No benches or other architectural features were found. Considering only the more or less easily recognizable and complete vessels, the group is comprised of two pedestalbowl chalices (Fig 40 K,L; 41 A,B), two globular flasks (Fig 40 A,B; 41 C), an undetermined number of storage jars, two kraters, (Fig. 40 G,H; 41:D,E), one cyclindrical incense stand with windows (Fig. 40 M) (only one half found), and a few small storage jars (Fig. 40 D,E,F,L; 41:F,G,H).

Fig 37 Section through courtyard layers locus 103

The pottery found on the floor of the room belongs to the last phase of the sancturary, that is, towards the end of the 10th century BC. The several cult vessels testify to the ritual function of the building (e.g., the cyclindrical incense burner and the chalices). From the above it is clear that each of the three rooms had served a different function, at least one of them (Room 101) as a storage room.

Phase I Ash deposit of dark gray colour. In texture it is very fine and very loose, mixed with great quantities of pottery sherds, animal bones, grain, brushwood and charcoal. The thickness was ca. 0.23-0.25m. The pottery corresponds to Tell Deir Alla Phase F. Phase II Ash and brown clay material mixed with chunks of mudbrick, similar to Phase I, but forming a thinner (0.05m) deposit. Pottery corresponds to Tell Deir Alla Phase F.

The Courtyard 103 The courtyard was only partially excavated. The composition of the deposited material in every square dug in the courtyard seemed to be homogeneous, if not identical, displaying the same characteristics. The width of the courtyard is 16.0m; the length has not been determined, since the south side of the courtyard was eroded. However, on the basis of the existing west wall, we might assume that the length was 24.0m. The walls of the court were built of yellowish-red mudbricks, mixed with stone pebbles. The main entrance would have been on the south wall, but we cannot be sure, since this part was totally eroded. In view of the fact that the south side of the courtyard is facing the city (Tell el-Mazar proper) it would have been appropriate to communicate with the city through this side. Nonetheless, there was another doorway at the north-west corner of the courtyard. A line of large flat stones outside the doorway below the interior

Phase III Ash deposit of dark gray colour. In texture it is very fine and loose, mixed with great quantities of pottery sherds, animal bones, brushwood, and charcoal. Thickness ca 0.23-0.25 m. Pottery corresponds to Tell Deir Alla Phases G and H. Phase IV Very thin deposit of reddish-yellow clay, broken in many places and thus linking Level III with Level V. Pottery corresponds to Tell Deir Alla Phase J. Phase V Thick ash deposit of yellowish-gray ash of fine powdery texture but compressed, mixed with pottery sherds, 19

TELL EL-MAZAR

animal bones (Fig. 38), a few grain seeds, and small pieces of charcoal. The total thickness was 0.24-0.30m. Pottery corresponds to Tell Deir Alla, Phases J and K.

the courtyard. It was constructed on the north-south axis of the courtyard and 14.50m south of the south wall of Room 100 (Yassine 1988 Plate VB). we are not sure if this stone table was considerably higher than 0.62m and we are unable to confirm whether the stones found to the south of the area originally belonged to this installation. We are reluctant to call this installation an altar, because there was no alignment of this table to the sanctuary’s architectural orientation. However, at the same time, we cannot completely rule out such a function. M. Ottosson (1980:119 n4) in his analytical study of Palestinian temples, opines that altars were naturally placed in a courtyard open to the skies. A1E6 Shaft tomb: The shaft tomb resembles a cistern dug in the floor of Square E5. The shaft opening is 0.80m in diameter and opens gradually to 1.75m at a depth of 2.30m (see Fig. 30). It was built of mudbricks identical to those of the pit in Room 102, except this one had plastered surfaces. Three males were buried in the tomb, all of the same age, about 25 years old. One was laid down on a low mudbrick bench at the east side and the second to the west side; the third was laid on the floor between the two, and his head was found down underneath the west skeleton. All were oriented northsouth, heads to the south. No artifacts or funerary objects were found in this tomb. The shaft was dug before the construction of the sanctuary, or contemporary to Phase I of the courtyard. The ash material had sealed the opening of the shaft. There were two recesses at the mouth of the shaft, apparently indicating the presence of wooden beams.

Phase VI Burnt clay, dark gray to almost black in colour and rather coarse in texture. The pottery was broken, with some reconstructable vessels (Fig. 37). Phase VI marks the destruction level corresponding to that covering the floor level of Room 101. Pottery vessels were blackened by fire. Phase VII This is the upper deposit, about 0.40-0.50m thick, composed solely of mudbrick material. Only a few pottery sherds from the later grave period (the 5th century BC). Phase VII is the deposit of the destroyed sanctuary walls. The great mass of bricks illustrates that the walls were of considerable height.

Fig. 38 Courtyard 103 The loci within the courtyard disclose more information helpful in understanding whatever activities occurred here. The loci were: A1E5 tabun: This bread oven was located at the southwest corner of Square E5. It measures 0.60m in diameter and was built on the floor of Phase I of the courtyard. A few broken pottery vessels were found adjacent to the tabun, belonging to Phase V context. The tabun was in use from Phase I and continued into Phase V. A1C6 tabun: This one was located at the middle of Square C6 near the east baulk. A large rough stone was situated north of the tabun. This oven was built in Phase IV. A1C62 tabun: It was constructed against the wall of the courtyard, at the south baulk of Square C6. The tabun was built in Phase III and continued to be used into Phase VI. Several fragments of tawabin were found in Phase III and II, almost in every square of the courtyard. We expect more tawabin to be found, if the whole courtyard is excavated. A1E8 Stone table: It measures 2.00m by 1.50 m, built partly of dressed stones (several are missing). The height of this one course stone table is 0.62 m, built in Phase I of

Fig 39. Pottery next to Room 100 A1D5 pottery pile: At the left hand side of the doorway of Room 100 in the courtyard, groups of broken pottery vessels, mainly of storage jars and cooking pots, were piled up against the exterior of the wall (Fig. 38). Many of these vessels show evidence of burning 2. The pile was 2

It is not sure whether these vessels were broken due to the destruction and burning of the sanctuary at the end of the 10th century BC, or if they were broken after having been used in some religious ceremony. Since not a single vessel was found unbroken, we would anticipate the latter. At Lachish a great number of circular pits was found, used for the disposal of refuse such as broken pottery and animal bones (Tufnell et al 1940: Pls LXVI, LXVII, LXXII)

20

MOUND A: THE OPEN COURT SANCTUARY

point to massive food processing there. The pottery fragments stemmed from cooking pots, storage jars, kraters, bowls, and all utensils used in the cooking process. Tawabin were used to bake bread and possibly cook meat as well, since animal bones were found adjacent to the tawabin elsewhere. Beer was either made or consumed here as part of the ritual diet. Fragments of pottery bottles were found mainly in the level of Phase III and VI of a type which is called the ‘beer bottle’. The bottles were crudely manufactured, with thick walls near the base and finger prints on the base4.

found in Phase VI, belonging to the destruction Phase (Fig. 39). In search of comparable phenomena from cultic buildings in Palestine, it was found that at Beth Shan a room south of the sanctuary’s courtyard of Level VI, Locus 1053, was described as having been used as cooking area, as can be seen from the quantities of ash, charred earth, etc. Phase VI at Beth Shan is dated to the very beginning of the Iron Age (James 1966:16). In the sanctuary discovered by Aharoni at Lachish directly in front of a Massebah there was a rounded heap of black ashes several centimetres deep (Aharoni 1975:29). In the section of the major trench of the sanctuary in Level V there were fallen mudbricks over a burnt layer of a considerable depth (Aharoni 1975: fig 8).

From the condition and the context of the pottery sherds within the different phases (levels), in addition to the pottery pile in locus A1D5, it is suggested that the courtyard was used for the disposal of refuse resulting from ritual activities (cooking, sacrificing) which amounted to about 1760 cubic metres. Such deposits containing mainly ash would have required a rich source of fuel. The closest source would have been the trees from the Ajlun mountains and the bushes along the River Jordan.

An even more striking similarity of content comparable to our courtyard deposit is provided by Phase A and B of Tell Deir Alla on the top of the Cella of the Late Bronze sanctuary. Franken mentions a brick construction with heavy walls, thought to belong to a structure similar to the sanctuary of the Late Bronze. West of this sanctuary there was a depression of ca. two meters depth, filled with the earliest Iron Age deposits and fuel for ovens or furnaces which caught fire leaving a deposit of white and pink coloured ash, in places as thick as 0.20m3. Franken admittedly relates the burnt wooden material to smelting furnaces (Franken and Kalsbeek 1969:33-34).

The consistent practice of this large scale activity, lasting from the end of the 10th century BC, would point to a public function with a very set tradition prevailing the whole time. This sanctuary was not a place of popular worship, since the city (of Tell el-Mazar proper) revealed cultic objects in an architectural complex which might indicate that the city could have possessed at least one temple of its own, dedicated to one of its gods.

These compiled data from cultic contexts were not given an adequate interpretation, perhaps due to the limitation of the excavated areas, contrary to the spacious area of Tell el-Mazar. “It is possible that at an earlier time the burnt offering was burned on the ground or in a pit, rather than on a raised altar….” (Enc. Bibl.: Sacrifice S12). The deposits of phases below the level of Phase VII were accumulated during the lifetime of the sanctuary, since some of the tawabin were constructed as early as Phase I and were kept in use through Phase V. The context and character of the different loci found in the courtyard all

We might infer that the people were supplying, perhaps largely on their own initiative, services and goods in the form of agricultural holdings, including animal herds, grain, and drink. Furthermore, the sanctuary (or the city temple) could have controlled or held plots of land, which would have provided or supplemented these goods. In considering the general role of temples in this area of the Jordan Valley with its fertile alluvial soil, one cannot exclude some thought of an economic role for the temple, such as food processing.

3

According to Franken’s account (1969: 1,3-34) “The plan of Phase A shows a depression between the ruins of the LB cella, which was built on a ‘brick platform’. Between the ruins of the second and third rebuilding of the sanctuary, lay a depression of c. two metres depth, which was filled with the earliest IA deposits, consisting of occupation levels with thick deposits and streaks of burnt material washed from the ruined LB buildings. These wash deposits penetrate like wedges between the occupation levels and partly make up these levels. At an early stage the depression was used to store brushwood, obviously fuel for ovens or furnaces, which caught fire leaving a deposit of white and pink coloured ash in places as much as 20 cm thick. Similar fires occurred in later phases, burning over the whole width of the excavated area. As a result of this fire the ruins of the latest LB tower caught fire and burned from the level on which the fuel had beeen piled up. Though the heat did not penetrate much below the ground level, the remaining bricks above the surface were all thoroughly burned red. From the sectiou through this tower it is clear that the burnt bricks are higher than the unburnt bricks already buried under the surface, and since compressed by the influence of moisture and pressure.” Following another sounding in 1964 east of the excavated area (not published here) Franken further testifies the existence of brick constructions with heavy walls. They could either form part of the industrial area of the new occupants of the mound or may belong to a structure similar to the sanctuary but on a much smaller scale, thus carrying on the tradition of a holy place.

As mentioned above each of the three rooms (100, 101 and 102) served a different function. In several cultic buildings in Palestine vessels were stored as in Room 101 of Tell el-Mazar Mound A. Schumacher, during his trenching operation in 1903 beneath part of building 330 at Megiddo, described an extensive fortress structure which was partially dug and contemporary with his “Temple of Astarte”. In it he found a storeroom, dated 4

this bottle was called ‘beer bottle’ in Egypt due to the following: the name of the vessels designated as beer bottles is based upon their unusual condition together with the flower pots, which are tentatively proposed to stand for the bread mentioned in the votive btp di nsw formula. Consequently, the beer bottles would stand for beer, also as mentioned in the same formula. Similar to those found in Egypt, other than graves, vessels of this family have been found in foundation deposits e.g. Tuthmosis III, lye, Der el-Medina. The fingerprints on the base region were perhaps intentionally produced to render a good grip to facilitate handling in the act prescribed by the ceremonies. These were dated from the beginning of the 18th dynasty through the 19th to the time of Ramesses III (Holthoer 1977: 86)

21

TELL EL-MAZAR

The same could be said of the cultic structure discovered by Lapp at Tell Ta’annak (Lapp 1964 fig. 12). Both the Lachish sanctuary and the Tell Ta’annak cultic structure are of he same date as Tell el-Mazar sanctuary.

between 1060-1100 BC (Lamon and Shipton 1939: 5657). In the large rectangular enclosed courtyard (2081) of Megiddo (Stratum VA), many cultic objects and pottery vessels were found as well (Loud 1948: 44, Fig. 100-102). The building in which these were found was suggested to belong to a converted four-room house with a house shrine. It is dated to Stratum VA of Iron IIA. Room 1 of Lapp’s cultic structure at Tell Ta’annak contained a mass of objects as closely packed, as in Room 101 of Tell elMazar. Lapp therefore called this room a storage room. Many of his objects are clearly dated to the destruction of the late 10th century BC (918 BC) (Lapp 1964:28). From a sanctuary in Lachish, Level V, Room locus 49, a mass of cultic objects and pottery vessels was discovered (Aharoni 1975: 60). Aharoni stated that the sanctuary room was not an isolated structure. However, since the adjoining area was eroded, it was difficult to draw the overall layout of the sanctuary. It is of the same date as the building at Tell el-Mazar. The objects stored in these rooms do not indicate that they were left there by the worshippers as votive offerings. Instead, the jars and the variety of complete vessels tend to indicate that these rooms were used for current storage rather than refuse.

Glancing briefly at the Palestinian temple plans from as early as the Early Bronze Age to the Iron Age it is difficult to find a definite temple plan type, despite the general conception of Breitraum, Longhouse-temples and Quadratbau types (Ottosson 1980: 9). Dating The pottery of Phase A,B,C,D and E of Tell Deir Alla is not represented in the deposit of Phase I to VI from the courtyard. The closest parallel and frequencies of pottery types are well represented as of Phase F. The pottery sequence from the courtyard coincides with the sequence of Tell Deir Alla from Phases F to K. Thus, we tentatively assume the earliest period for the construction of the sanctuary to have been the end of the 11th century6. The pottery vessels found in Room 101 and from Locus A1D5, the pottery pile, date the final phase of the sanctuary and its destruction. It is approximately contemporaneous with Tell Deir Alla I, K and J, Tell Beit Mirsim B3, Tell Abu Hawam III and Hazor XB. The destruction of the structure should be dated a little later than Beth Shemesh IIa and Megiddo Va. The material is similar to the bulk of material of Tomb 120 at Lachish, dated to 900 BC (Tufnell et al 1940 : 193-96). The termination of the sanctuary must therefore be dated to the late second half of the 10th century BC.

The placing of the sanctuary outside the city (Tell elMazar proper) may have been due to overcrowding inside, or the function and the activities required an area free of all possible limitations to such functions. Alternatively, reasons derived from a change in cultic practices may have dictated its placement 5. Comparing the plan of the sanctuary with temples from Palestine we find the closest parallel to be the Beth Shan temple of Level V (Loci 1034,1021 A, 1043,1032,1033 and 1031) (James 1966: 76:2). Despite the limitation of the excavated area of the Lachish sanctuary from Stratum V (Aharoni 1975 fig 7), there are similarities between the excavated portion, with the three rooms of Tell el-Mazar (Aharoni 1975 Pl 41-42).

5

Palestinian temples found outside the city include: the Fosse temple in Lachish (Tufnell et al 1940), the temple at Nahariyya (Ben-Dor 1959: Pls 1-12; Dothan 1956 Pls. 1-6) and the shrine outside the city of Sebaste (Crowfoot et al 1942: 23-24). In Jordan, a temple was found in the airport area near Amman (Hennessy 1966: 155-162; Herr 1983a: 223-229; 1983b.

6

22

For the end of Phase E of Tell Deir Alla see Franken 1969:246-47

MOUND A: THE OPEN COURT SANCTUARY

Fig. 40. Pottery from Room 101 23

TELL EL-MAZAR

Fig. 41. Pottery from room 101

24

The Pottery of Field I phases. It has been suggested (Bienkowski 2001:349; Herr, pers. comm.) that the seeming lack of Persian sites in the region may have had more to do with a continuation of Late Iron Age pottery types than with an actual lack of settlement. In other words, many repertoires that were interpreted as Late Iron Age, could in fact be dated to the Persian period.

Introduction Four seasons of excavations at Tell Mazar have resulted in a large corpus of pottery. Mazar, like other sites in the region from the same period, is a tell with a high pottery density, as was already noted by Nelson Glueck (see Introduction), and as is immediately clear when you walk over its surface, which is strewn with sherds. The amount of pottery sherds excavated was so large, that only a sample of it could be studied in the time at our disposal. In total 6167 sherds were studied, of which 1077 were drawn.

Open bowls Open bowls and open bowl rim sherds make up 29% of the total sample (1078 sherds or complete shapes; stratified and unstratified). They show a variety of shapes, but certain shapes were more frequent than others, and are suggestive of a close relationship, particularly with the Amman Plateau.

On the whole the repertoire is closest to the pottery repertoire of Tell es-Sa’idiyeh to the north and Deir Alla to the south of it, which is to be expected, considering the closeness of the sites. It is also very close to the pottery from the Amman plateau, particularly the pottery from Umeiri, which has been and is still being published extensively by the Madaba Plains Project. Having said that, many forms are also, or even more common west of the Jordan, and some forms are typically western, or Judean. Functional groups percentages 100%

90%

Fig 43. Open bowl type 1 (Cat. P001)

80%

70%

Type 1 Type 1 are wide open bowls with a flaring rim (Pl. 1:1; Pl. 8:7-9; Pl. 15:21-22; fig 43). Within this group there are several variants. Pointed rims (Pl. 8:8,9; Pl. 22:33) may be a separate development. A particular category is what Herr calls ‘stepped’ or ‘off-set’ rims (Herr 1989:304; 1997:245). The rim is set on the body with a slight carination (Pl. 1:2; Pl. 5:27; Pl. 8:10; Pl. 15:23; Pl20:4,5). In Umeiri this type is more developed than in Mazar. It is possible that this signifies a further or later development in Umeiri. Herr dates it to the Late Iron Age continuing into the Persian period. It is common on the Amman Plateau in the 8th and 7th century. In Mazar both the simple flaring rim and the ‘off-set’ rim occur in all strata, and the distinction between the two is not always clear. A third distinctive variation is the S-shaped rim (Pl. 8:11; Pl. 16:59-61; Pl. 14:2; Pl. 21: 2; Pl. 20:11). A similar shape was common in the Iron Age I and early Iron Age II.

platter

60%

holemouth jars 50%

kraters 40%

cooking pots

30%

jars/jugs

20%

deep bowls open bowls

10%

0%

V

IV

III

II

Fig. 42. Functional groups per phase The graph fig. 42 shows the distribution of the functional groups per phase. Only rims and complete shapes were counted, to avoid duplication. There is little development in the proportions of the functional groups, suggesting a continuation of general lifestyle throughout the phases (van der Steen 1997). The only possible development is a slight increase in the proportion of jars/jugs in the total repertoire.

Parallels: Open bowls with flaring rim1 are common on 1

The typological development is also slight, with most types continuing almost unaltered through the main

Some of these open bowls with flaring rims may in fact be lamps, which have more or less the same shape as small bowls with flaring rims, except for the nozzle.

25

TELL EL-MAZAR most sites, both east and west of the Jordan, in the 8th and 7th centuries. In Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982) it appears in the typeseries (fig. 196:4-6). A parallel was found in Tell es-Sa’idiyeh Stratum VII (Pritchard 1985 fig 2:11) and another one in Gezer in the 8th-7th century (Gitin 1990 fig. 24:7). The offset rim is also a widespread and common type. In Tell es-Sa’idiyeh it is found in Stratum VII and VI (Pritchard 1985 fig. 2:9,26; 6:15). In Deir Alla it does not seem to appear before phase VI (Groot 2011: Pl. X:4f-h; Pl. XXVII:2,3). On the Amman Plateau, particularly in Umeiri, this type begins to appear in late Iron Age II, becoming more common towards the Persian period (Herr 1989:19.7.1317; 2000:3.30.8). It is also common on the Amman Citadel (Dornemann 1983:109; fig. 55 type XLVI). Dornemann cites parallels of this type in Syria in the 7th century. It is widespread, also outside of the ‘Ammonite’ sphere of influence. It is a common type in for example Tell Khalifa (Pratico 1993:50 and plate 35-36), which has been dated in the 8th- early 6th century. West of the Jordan it is rare. One possible parallel is found in Beth Shean (James 1966 fig 67:26). It is not found in the Jericho typeseries. Samaria Period VII (Tappy 2001: fig 11) has thin-walled bowls of this type, which differ slightly from the Mazar bowls. The S-shaped bowl may be a continuation from earlier periods. In Deir Alla it is common from the Early Iron Age onwards (Franken 1969 plates 46-75 passim; Groot 2011 Pl. II:28; XIV:50ab; XXIX:43). It is found in Tell es-Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 fig. 6:5; fig. 15:12). There is also a possible parallel in Umeiri (Herr 2000:3.33.4).

fig. 44). It is a shallow bowl, with a sharply everted rim on a (almost) vertical body, usually with a squared or grooved profile. In Mazar this type makes its appearance in Stratum IV (two sherds of this type in Str. V may be intrusive), where it immediately becomes a most common type (Fig. 45).

open bowls types (%) 100%

80%

10,10A,10B 60%

9 5 4/4A

40%

3 2AB 20%

7 1ABC

0%

V

IV

III

II

Stratum

Fig. 45: frequency of main open bowl types (N>50) From Stratum 3 onwards a distinctive groove just below the rim on the outer body is a common feature of this type. Over time the rim becomes more sharply bent out, so that eventually it bevels out rather than in. The thinwalled bowls in Str. II (Pl. 16:52,53) may be late examples of this. They were burnished in as well as out. Surface treatment is fairly common, but is largely limited to burnishing: out of 188 bowls (stratified and unstratified) 70 were burnished, 7 were slipped, and 10 were both slipped and burnished. Some bowls are made of the local ‘black-ware’, with black slip and sometimes burnishing (Pl. 20:4), but more commonly the ware was orange to pink.

Surface treatment of this type of open bowls is extensive. Out of a total of 237 bowl fragments (both stratified and unstratified) of this type 62 have some form of wheel- or pattern burnishing, either in or out, 16 are slipped or partly slipped, and 35 are both slipped and burnished. Several examples are of local black ware, burnished, and one is imported blackware (Pl. 21:1), which is also burnished inside and out. Reduced firing and black slip are both used to create a black surface. Some specimens have a small ridge or groove just below the rim (Pl. 8:7 and 8).

Parallels: This is a very common Late IA II type in Umeiri (Herr 2000:3:29:24-27), commonly burnished, and occasionally with black slip. Herr defines it as an ‘Ammonite’ type of the 7th century (Herr 1997:245). It does not seem to appear outside the ‘Ammonite sphere’, but it is found in Tell es-Sa’idiyeh from Stratum V onwards (plate 10:16). In Deir Alla a possible precursor is found in phase VII (Groot 2011 plate I:2) but it becomes common in phase VI (Groot 2011 plate 10:2 and 3). It coincides with Dornemann’s type XLVII, and it is ubiquitous in the Amman citadel (Dornemann 1983 fig 56). It is also found in Sahab tomb B (ibid. fig 33:24 and 25). It does not seem to occur west of the Jordan, although the Jericho typeseries (Kenyon and Holland 1982) has a bowl that may be related (fig. 203:9).

Fig. 44. Open bowl type 7 (Cat. P015) Type 7 One particular type of open bowl with flaring rim (type 7) has become a ‘fossil type’ for the Ammonite region (Pl. 5:20,21,25; Pl. 8:24-29; Pl. 15:34; Pl. 16:35-39; Pl. 20:6; 26

THE POTTERY OF FIELD 1

Fig. 46. Type 2 open bowl (Cat. P092)

Fig. 47. Open bowl with ridge below rim (Cat. P056)

Type 2 Straight-walled bowls with a carinated upper body (where visible) and a slightly everted unprofiled rim, either straight or slightly flaring derive from IA IB forms (Herr forthcoming) (Pl. 1:3-5; Pl. 5:6,7; Pl. 8:12; Pl. 15:25; Fig. 46). The top of the rim is usually either rounded or pointed. This type is relatively common in most strata (143 sherds), but seems to become slightly less popular over time (fig. 45) Surface treatment is again high, with 42% (59 specimens) having some kind of surface treatment, either burnishing, slip or both. It becomes more common in the later phases (in Str. V only 28% had surface treatment, in Str. IV 44%; in Str. III 67% and in Str. II 61%)2.

Type 3 Another type of open bowl, found in most strata and on most sites, is the simple rounded bowl with unprofiled, rounded rim (Pl. 1:6-9; Pl. 5:8-10; Pl. 8:13-15; Pl. 15:26,27) Various examples of this type have been found with remains of a bar or a knob handle (Pl. 22:34,35). Six sherds of this type (not drawn) were made of eggshell ware, three from the topsoil, two were found in Str. V (LH4/33 and 34) and one in Str. II (GE7/18). The sherds in the topsoil had a scraped surface, the others were burnished. Surface treatment is relatively rare for this type, compared to other types of open bowls. Out of 71 sherds, 12 were burnished, 6 were slipped, and 6 were both slipped and burnished.

This type is common both east and west of the Jordan. The sharp carination has parallels in Sa’idiyeh str. VII-V (fig.2:23; 3:1,4,6,7; 6:1-3; 10:7-9) and in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 plate I:7,12). Other parallels can be found in Umeiri mostly in early IA II (Herr 1989:19.9:6,7; 2000: 3:23:16,17). Herr considers it a fossil type of the 9th and 8th centuries, (Herr 2000:199). Parallels can also be found in Madaba (Thompson 1986:5:8) and Dhiban (Tushingham 1972 fig. 18:4). It is a common type in Deir Alla from Phase G onwards (Franken 1969 fig. 64,67,69-72,75). In Beth Shean it is found in Str. IV (James 1966 pl 67:1,3,5). In Gezer it appears in the 8th century (Gitin 1990 pl 20:6, 24:1,2) but it remains rare.

This type has a long lifespan, continuing from late IA I throughout the IA II and into the Persian period. Parallels can be found in Umeiri (Herr 1989:19.4:9,10; Herr et al 1991 fig. 4.7:27; 8.17:10). In Deir Alla it is found in all Late Iron Age and Persian phases (Groot 2011 Pl. IV:4; XII:22ab, 24a; XIV:49; XXVIII:25; XXXVIII:27). It appears in Sa’idiyeh in all phases, but it is rare (Pritchard 1985 fig. 6:2,4; fig.10:3; 15:2). Two are eggshell ware (6:2 and 10:3). Eggshell ware is found in Umeiri from Late IA II onwards (see for example Herr 2000:3:30:2,3,5). West of the Jordan this type of bowl is found in the Jericho typeseries (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 196:5; 197:6; 198:11,13).

Some straight-walled bowls have a ridge outside low on the upper body (Pl. 21:4-6; Fig. 47). This type, although rare in Mazar has parallels in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 plate XI:19; XXXVII:7), in Pella (Smith 1973:126:6) and in Umeiri (Herr 1989: 19.14:16; 2000:3:29:28,29). Herr considers it to be one of the types typical for the Amman plateau repertoire of the 7th century (Herr 1989:305; 1997:245). However, the Jericho typeseries has a related type of bowl (fig 197:1-3).

Type 4 Shallow bowls, with a flaring body, and a rim that is folded in and thickened (Pl. 1:10-14; Pl. 5:11-16, 31; Pl. 9:46; Pl. 16:63; Pl. 19:129; Pl. 21:7) are slightly more common in the earlier strata (fig. 45). The top can be either rounded or flattened (fig. 48). One sherd in Str. IV (LH4/12) had a widening of the rim, forming a ledge handle (not drawn), and several had repair holes.

2

Numbers are too small for this to be very significant statistically, but it confirms the trend towards increasing surface treatment in table ware on the whole.

27

TELL EL-MAZAR

In Deir Alla it is common (Groot 2011 Pl. II:26,27; XIII:44; XXIX:32a; XLVIII:35). It is also common in Sa’idiyeh Str. VII (Pritchard 1985 fig. 2:1, 5-8), in Str. VI (Pritchard 1985 fig 6:16,17) and in Str. IV (Pritchard 1985 Pl. 15, and 16:3,4). It is a common type on the west side of the Jordan, for example in Beth Shan level IV (James 1966: fig 68: 9,11). In Samaria the type has been found in Pottery Phase VII, dated to the seventh century, and Tappy states that “while this style bowl first appears in significant numbers in the late eighth century BCE, its floruit occurs in the seventh and early sixth centuries” (Tappy 2001:394). In the Jericho typeseries it is a common type (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 195:21-23; 197:27,28; 199: 16,17, 32,33, among others). In Jerusalem (Franken and Steiner 1990: 103) it is occasionally found in Phase 2C (9th century; 2:15) but becomes popular in the later phases (table fig. 6-17), particularly in phase 8 (dated ca 700 BC- end Iron Age). It is also found further away, in Qasile on the Mediterranean coast (Mazar 1985:fig 55), and in Tell elKhalifa on the Red Sea coast (Pratico 1993 plate 33-35) both in the late Iron Age II. A variant of this type is the mortarium, a heavy V-shaped bowl with folded out bulbous rim (Pl. 9:43-44), which has parallels in Qasile Str.VII (Mazar 1985: fig 56:5,6 and in Dor (Stern 1995 fig. 2.30:2-4, Persian). This type is rare in Jordan (Herr 1991:241) and indicative of a more western outlook.

Fig 48. Open bowl type 4 with flat rim (Cat. P002) This type does occur in the later part of the IA I (for example in Madaba, Harding and Isserlin 1953 fig. 12:16). It becomes more common, however, in Iron Age II. Numerous parallels are found in Umeiri (Herr 1989: 19.8:1; 19.9:13,14,16,17,27,30; 1991: 3.14:6; 8.8:24). In Deir Alla it is a common type (Groot 2011 Pl. II:25; XII:26; XXVIII:29; XXXVIII:28). In Sa’idiyeh it occurs in Str. VII (Pritchard 1985 fig. 2:4-8, 20) and in Str. V (Pritchard 1985 fig. 10:14,18,21). It coincides with Dornemann’s type XVIII and XIX, which appears in the later part of sequence II. (1983:50; fig 55:528-30,533-36). On the west side of the Jordan there are parallels in Beth Shan Str. IV (James 1966 fig 67 :6,17,19; 68:5), and in Gezer from the mid-9th century onwards (Gitin 1990 pl 15A:7; 20:9,13,14). In Jericho it is a common rimtype (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 196:15-18; 198:3-6). Type 5 A type of bowl with an incurving rim, folded out and flattened to bevel out, forming a slight bulge or groove outside is a common type in the whole region, both east and west of the Jordan, from the later part of the Iron Age I onwards (Pl. 1:15-20; Pl. 5:17,18; Pl. 8:17,18; Pl. 15:32,33). It occurs in all periods in Mazar, but slightly more so in Stratum V (fig. 45). Several sherds have a rim that is widened to form a ledge handle or bar handle. In later periods the rim becomes more inverted (Pl. 15:32,33). In stratum V only two out of 21 sherds of this type are burnished. In the later strata this proportion increases, and half or more of the sherds have surface treatment, usually burnishing. Slip or burnished slip is relatively rare.

Fig. 49. V-shaped bowl with bevelled rim (Cat. P074) Type 6 A V-shaped bowl with an everted body and rim, with a folded and smoothed, flattened or slightly rounded top, square or slightly T-shaped (Pl. 1:28,29; Pl. 5:19; Pl. 8:19-23; fig. 49) occurs in all strata, although it is nowhere common. Mostly these vessels are plain, with no particular surface treatment other than wet-smooting or scraping, but some have traces of burnishing. Parallels for this type of bowl are found in Umeiri (Herr 1989: 19.15.15,16 and 19.18.18 (unstratified)) and in Sa’idiyeh Str. VI (Pritchard 1985 fig 6.13). West of the Jordan it occurs in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 195:17,28 and possibly 30).

The type is widespread in the region, both east and west of the Jordan. It is common in Umeiri (Herr 1989:9.15:712, some with slip in and out; Herr 1991: 3.13, 4.7:29; 8.16:6-8; 8.21:30,31). In the IA II/Persian period the rim becomes more inverted and the top more flattened (IV:3:33:7-9). On the Amman citadel (Dornemann 1983:51) it coincides with XXX, which appears in the second half of sequence II. Here it has a more sharply inverted rim than in any of the Mazar examples, closer to the later types in Umeiri.

Type 8 A carinated bowl with a sharply folded and bevelled rim occurs in the early strata of Mazar (Pl. 5:22-24; Pl. 9:34; 28

THE POTTERY OF FIELD 1 several grooves or ridges below the rim outside (Fig. 50 and Cat. P019-021. These all have tripod bases, suggesting that this may be the more common base for this type).

Pl. 14:3). These bowls are generally made of a fine, hard ware. Some are slipped or burnished. This type of bowl is not very common in the Mazar repertoire (only eight sherds were found in our sample). No complete shapes have been found but they may have been chalices. Pl. 1:27 may be an early form.

In Deir Alla the first variant appears in Phase VI (Groot 2011 Pl. X:5) after which they remain common until Phase III (Groot 2011 Pl. LVI:10). They are found in Sa’idiyeh Stratum IV (Pritchard 1985 fig 15:3,9; 16:10; 17:33), and on the Amman citadel (Dornemann 1983, type XIV: fig 54:511). Umeiri (Herr 1989:19.15.2, 19.16.16,19; Herr 1997:3.22.24; 7:22:4) has a few examples. It is also found in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 198:7,8). The second variant has a ribbon-like ridge outside below the top of the rim (Pl.9:42; Pl. 16:41,42,44). This is usually a bowl with a ring-base. A parallel has been found in Jawa (Str. VII see Daviau 1997) and in Umeiri (Herr 1997:7.22.4). It is also found on the Amman Citadel (Dornemann 1983 type XV, fig. 54:514). In Deir Alla this type occurs in Phase VI/V, with a ring base (Groot 2011 Pl. XXVII:9a), down to Phase III (Groot 2011 Pl. LVI:10a). A third variant has a sharply carinated upper wall, with a heavy ridge outside below the top of the rim (Pl. 7:88; Pl. 16:48,49). This type is common in Deir Alla from Phase VI onwards (Groot 2011 Pl. X:5de; LVI:10bc).

A small, slipped bowl from Umeiri (Herr 1989: 19.16:1) may be a parallel to this type. It is found in Deir Alla in phase VI (Groot 2011 Pl. XIV:51). Groot 2011 Pl. I:5 (Phase VII) is a close parallel to Pl. 1:27. Two bowls from Sa’idiyeh Stratum VI (Pritchard 1985 fig 6:16,17) also have this type of rim, and may also be chalices. It also occurs in the Jericho typeseries (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 198:1,2). Type 9 A shape that is related to type 8, and may also have been a chalice, has a sharp, square or triangular rim, with an inward carination on the upper body (Pl. 1:23-24; Pl. 9:35-36,45; Pl. 16:40). This rim shape is more common in Mazar than the previous one, with a total of 53 rim sherds, 22 of which had some kind of surface treatment, either slip or burnish or both. Again, slip and/or burnishing increase over time. This type has parallels in Umeiri (Herr 1989: 3:19.15.12,17), and on the Amman citadel (Dornemann 1983 type XXIV, fig. 55:532). It also occurs in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. I:8; XIII:45c; XV:3). Outside the Ammonite region it is found in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 197:14-16).

This group as a whole becomes more common in the later phases (fig. 45). Only two sherds belonging to type 10 were found in Stratum V, and they may well have been intrusive. Surface treatment is common, consisting of slip and/or burnish, on about half of the sherds. One sherd (not drawn) had traces of black and red paint. Herr (1989:30809) describes them as mortars, and dates them to the 7th and 6th century. They seem to be largely limited to the Ammonite region, i.e. the Ammonite Plateau and the Jordan Valley. Some of our examples had black slip, and may have imitated black wares.

Type 10 Finally a relatively large group of thick-walled bowls look rather like mortars, with a rounded, vertical, profiled rim and either a thick ring base, or a tripod base. In most cases the type of base could not be determined, and the few (relatively) complete shapes showed that either was possible. So even though they do represent different groups of bowls, it is in many cases impossible to ascertain to which group the fragments belong. They are usually made of hard, grey ware, and seem to imitate basalt bowls. The first variant (Pl.9:37-39; Pl. 14:1; Pl. 16:43,46-47) has a rim that is thickened with a flat top, and usually

A particular type of open bowl common on the Amman plateau but rare outside it, according to Herr (1997:245), is the flat-based basin, with flaring rim. A rim of this type is found in Str. 2 (Pl. 16:58). Several flat bases have also been found that may belong to this type of vessel. It has a parallel in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. XI:20). Open bowls, whether small or large, are generally serving vessels. They are meant to be seen. This is reflected in the percentage of decorated vessels. Out of 1078 open bowl fragments (stratified and unstratified) 44% (474) were either slipped, or wheel burnished, or both, and some also had painted decoration, usually black or red lines. This surface treatment increases significantly over time. Out of 109 sherds in Str.V 31 had surface treatment, or 28%. In Stratum IV this is 46 out of 94, or 49%; in Str.III 96 out of 182, or 53% and in Str. II 96 out of 176, or 55% (fig. 51).

Fig 50. Open bowl type 10. Tripod (Cat. P022) 29

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common in Sa’idiyeh, with a folded out, squared rim, is rare in Mazar (Pl.22:44)4.

100 80

Surface treatment of kraters consisted largely of scraping. Additional surface treatment is rare. It did, however occur. Several fragments showed traces of red slip or burnishing. Pl.22:44 has black lines on the top of the rim and vertical lines on the shoulder.

60

untreated 40

treated 20 0 V

IV

III

II

Fig 51. Surface treatment on open bowls (%)

Jars and Jugs

Kraters

Jars and jugs form the largest functional group in our sample (31%). It is a broad group, lumping together different functions such as storage and serving. Because of the limitations of the corpus – mostly rim fragments, some of them very small – it was often not possible to determine the function or class of a particular fragment, particularly as this is largely determined by the shape of the body, rather than that of the rim. Therefore it has been treated as one group.

Kraters are large deep bowls, with a ‘drip rim’ and they are generally understood to be mixing bowls for fluids (wine, for example). Surface treatment is mostly limited to wet-smoothing or scraping. The general shape of this type of vessel is relatively uniform, with a straight, inverted upper body and folded rim, pressed into a widened, flattened top. Kraters form a small group in the sample (63 sherds or 1.7%). Elsewhere they have sometimes been classified as bowls, rather than forming a separate group. Two main rim types dominate the Mazar kraters. The Tshaped, flattened top is the common feature on both, but many kraters have one or more extra ridges below the rim on the outside (Pl. 2:31-33; Pl. 6:35; Pl. 9:47; Pl. 21:8). This type (classified as Type 1) seems slightly more popular in Mazar3 than the type (Type 2) without an extra ridge. It has (rare) parallels in Umeiri (Herr 1989:19.4:5 and 19.14:2). It is found in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. XVII:8a; XVIII:20; XL:7). There is one possible parallel in Tell es-Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 fig. 12:13). One parallel in Beth Shan Stratum IV (James 1966: 68:17,18) is dated to the 8th century. In Gezer it appears earlier, in the mid-9th century (Gitin 1990 Pl. 13:21 and 23; Pl. 14A:6), and in Deir Alla in phase L (Franken 1969 fig 75:92) which is dated to the 10th century (van der Kooij and Ibrahim 1989:81-82). It seems that this type is therefore derived from an older tradition, possibly more common west of the Jordan. In Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 211:5, 219:3) it occurs in the 7th century. Vessel Pl.21:8 is a very large basin, which was found in a pit.

Type 1 Jars with a flaring neck and upturned rim, the rim bent inwards with a carination on the neck are a relatively common type in Mazar (Pl. 2:35-37; Pl. 6:37,38,53; Pl. 10:56; Pl. 17:70-74; fig. 52). Often the top of the rim is flattened. A special subcategory of this type are the decanters (Pl. 2:37, Pl.6:53, Pl. 10:56, Pl. 17:70-74), but larger jars can also have this type of neck and rim. It is not always clear whether a rim fragment belonged to a decanter or to a larger type jar, particularly with the smaller fragments.

In later periods the second type, with no extra ridge (Pl. 6:34,36; Pl. 9:48-52; Pl. 17:67-69), becomes the standard type of krater on most sites, both east and west of the Jordan (Jericho: Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 211:6). It is described as the main type of krater in Umeiri (Herr 2000:198; 1989:19.7.8,9; 1997:4.32:11) where it is dated to the 9th-8th century. Krater Pl. 2:33 and Pl. 22:36 have a groove on the rim, possibly for a lid. This has parallels in Sa’idiyeh Str. VII (Pritchard 1985 1:8-10) and in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. V:9; XXXII:17). Pl. 9:49 has a close parallel in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. XL:5). However, the type that is the most

Fig 52. Jar type 1 (Cat. P118) 4

this type is also common in Deir Alla, and is the most common type in Jericho, showing that distribution of pottery traditions does not necessarily coincide with ‘ethnic’ or cultural traditions. See also below, Cooking Pots.

3

Numbers are too small for statistics to be very meaningful. 25 kraters have been classified as belonging to the first type and 33 as belonging to the second type.

30

THE POTTERY OF FIELD 1 Only 5 out of 75 fragments had some kind of surface treatment, either slip or burnishing. Decanters are common in Judah, but are rarely found in the highlands of Ammon (Herr, pers. comm).

Type 2 Another type of jar that becomes increasingly rare in the later strata has a vertical, sometimes slightly flaring, neck, and a thickened, folded rim with a ridge below the top (Pl. 2:38-41; Pl. 6:39; fig. 54).

This type of jar is relatively common in most of the region in the late Iron Age, and it is found on many sites, both east and west of the Jordan. Parallels can be found in Umeiri (Herr 1989:19.6.12,13, 16-19, 36; although mostly with narrower necks than the Mazar jars; Herr 1991:4.7.11; 8.6.20; Herr 1997:6.6.4; 6.9.15-16; Herr 2000: 3.23.4; 4.36.7), in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. VI:10: decanters; VII:12; XXII:21; XXIII:33; XLVI:28), in Tell es-Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 Str. VII: 4:29,30,32; Str. VI: 7:22-24; 26-29; Str. IV: 16:1-2) and in Pella (McNicoll, Smith and Hennessy 1982:133:1). Several jars were found in the Madaba tomb (Piccirillo 1975 pl. 52:2 and 5, 56:3). West of the Jordan it has been found in Beth Shean (James 1966 fig.71:7,15,16), in Gezer (Gitin 1990 pl 8:3; 9:11; 19:3; 25A:9) and in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 213:16,17; 214:51-53). In Jerusalem it is classified as type K/K2, with one jar in Phase 2 and two in Phase 8 (Franken and Steiner 1990:109).

Fig. 54. Jar type 2 (Cat. P112) Parallels for this type can be found in Umeiri (Herr 1991: 3.12:10; 7.6:20,31; Herr 1997 :6.9:8-13; Herr 2000: 3.29.10-11). In Deir Alla they are still found in Phase VII, but not in the later phases (Groot 2011 Pl. VI:7), and in Sa’idiyeh in Str. VII and VI (Pritchard 1985 fig 4: 11; 7:19). The type (usually with a bag-shaped body and a ring-base) is common west of the Jordan: in Beth Shean (James 1966 fig. 71:1 and 3); in Gezer (Gitin 1990 pl 19:6.) dated to the mid-8th century. On the whole it seems to be a relatively early type, that is encountered over a wide region, albeit never in large numbers. It does, however, occur in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 208:18, 209:10). Slip and/or burnishing are extremely rare. In Mazar only two fragments out of a total (stratified and unstratified) of 42 rimsherds had some form of surface treatment.

Type 1A Jars with a straight flaring rim, bevelled out (Pl. 6:40,48; Pl. 10:54,55; Pl. 11:99,100; Pl. 21:11; fig. 53) are less common. This type of rim seems to belong mostly to jugs or juglets. However, decoration or surface treatment is slightly more common with 9 fragments out of a total of 55 having some sort of surface treatment.

The following jar types (3-5) have a rim and neck that are often difficult to tell apart. Even though the body may be different, they are here all treated as one group on the basis of the rim and neck shape. Their size suggests they have a storage function. They largely coincide with what Herr calls Late Iron II/early Persian water jars (Herr 1991:242 and fig. 7:6). Type 3 Storage jars with an inward slanting neck, and a folded, rounded or slightly triangular rim are common in all strata (Pl. 2:43-47,57; Pl. 6:44,45, 49; Pl. 10:59-61,63-65; Pl. 17:75-77,80; Pl. 20:7-10,12; Pl. 21:9,10). Complete vessels (fig. 55) show an egg-shaped body with a ring base and handles on either the neck or on the body (many bodysherds were found with handles on them, that seem to belong to storage jars). Surface treatment such as slip and/or burnishing is rare: Only 19 sherds out of 215 were either slipped or burnished, generally (as is to be expected) on the outside.

Fig. 53 juglet with bevelled rim (Cat. P007) This is a type that appears in Umeiri in early Iron Age II (Herr 2000:3.23.3 has a good parallel in 4:48) and continues well into the late IA II and Persian periods (Herr 2000:3.32.7). In the Valley parallels can be found in Tell es-Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 fig. 7:21), in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. VI:2; XXXV:29; LII:12) and in Pella (McNicoll, Smith and Hennessy 1982 pl. 125:2 and possibly 4); Dornemann’s type VII continues into the Hellenistic period (Dornemann 1983:115). This type also occurs west of the Jordan, for example in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 214:12,47).

Parallels are widespread. In Umeiri this type of neck and rim is common in the Late IA II (Herr 1989: 19.5:1,2,9,13,15; 19.6:1,2; Herr 2000: 3.29:4-6; 6 is a 31

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This type also has parallels over a wider area. It is found in the ‘Ammonite’ region, in Umeiri (Herr 1989: 19.6:24 and 19.12:19; Herr 2002:4.14:11-14), and on the Amman citadel (Dornemann 1983 fig. 57:629,632), as well as in Deir Alla (Groot 2011:XXII:18; XXXV:22). Herr (2000:197) considers it typical for the 8th century. It is also found west of the Jordan, for example in Beth Shan Stratum IV (James 1966 fig 72:14,15) and in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 208:31,32). In Jerusalem it appears mainly in phase 2 (Franken and Steiner 1990:108-09 type Q,S and V).

close parallel to 5:47) and in the Persian period (Herr 1997:3.15:6-11;). In Sa’idiyeh Str. VII parallels are found (Pritchard 1985 Pl. 4:16,19,20), in Pella (McNicoll, Smith and Hennessy 1982 pl 125:1) and Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. VI:9; XX:2; XXXIV:1, 4; XLII:1-4,12a).

Type 5 A group of large storage jars has rims that stand vertically or slanting inwards, directly on the body. This type has no neck. The rim is often thickened and/or profiled (Pl. 2:50-52; Pl. 6:41-43, 47, 52; Pl. 10:76-78, 82,83; Pl. 17:96-98). A triangular type of rim (as in Pl. 2:51,52) has parallels in Umeiri Late IA II (Herr 2000:3.29:8) continuing into the Persian period (Herr 2000:4.32:5). In Tell es-Sa’idiyeh Str. VI it is also a common type of storage jar (Pritchard 1985 fig. 9:2,5,8-10, 16,17). In Deir Alla this particular rim type seems to be rare (Groot 2011 Pl. XXXIV:13b, phase VI/V), although the general vessel shape is common here as well. This type of storage jar also becomes popular in the latest phase of IA II Jerusalem (see Franken and Steiner 1990 fig 6-37). It is not limited to the ‘Ammonite’ region, but is a common type in most of the Levant, and can be found for example in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 208:21,24,26) and in Qasile Str. VII (Mazar 1985: fig 56).

Fig. 55. Storage jar type 3 (Cat. P034) Herr considers this to be one of the typical Ammonite forms (Herr 1997:245), particularly the type with several grooves below the rim (Pl. 10:84,85; Groot 2011 Pl. XX:5,6; XLII:4b). However, the general shape of the neck seems common over a wider area, with a parallel in Beth Shan (James 1966 fig 72:15) and in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 207; 208:1-9), as well as possibly in the storage jars from Tell Khalifa.

Type 6 Another large group of storage jars may have roots in the early Iron Age. This type has a short, vertical neck with a rim that is folded out and sharply profiled with an extra ridge below the rim on the neck (Pl. 2:53-54; Pl. 6:46; Pl. 10:84; Pl. 17:83-85,89,90; Pl. 20:13). In Deir Alla it is the most common type of storage jar. There it also has a long history, already starting in phase B (Franken 1969:186, 236:70-86) and continuing into Phase III (Groot 2011 passim). In Sa’idiyeh it is a common type (Pritchard 1985 Str. VII: fig. 4:1-4; Str. VI: fig. 9:7,11,12; Str. V: fig. 14:1-4) It also appears west of the Jordan: in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 209), in Jerusalem (Franken and Steiner 1990:108 type Y) and in Beth Shean from level VI (the earliest IA stratum, James 1966 fig. 49:10,11) to level IV (fig 37:5) in the IA II. 261 rimsherds of this type were found in our sample, only ten of which had some form of surface treatment (slip or burnish). The type seems slightly more common in the earlier phases.

Type 4 A large group of jars has an inward slanting to vertical neck, and an everted rim with rounded or triangular top (Pl. 2:48-49; Pl. 10:67-72; Pl. 17:81; Pl 21:12,13). The transition from body to neck to rim is smooth. Out of 228 sherds 20 had surface treatment, either slip or burnishing. One complete jar has a globular body and two handles (fig. 56).

Type 7 The same straight neck, flaring rim and ridge below the rim can be found on a separate group of jars or jugs with one or two handles, rounded, bag-shaped or cylindrical body. The handle is attached to the ridge on the neck. This type is common in the Mazar repertoire (Pl. 11:8993; Pl. 17:93,94; fig. 57), particularly in the later Strata:

Fig. 56 Storage jar type 4 (Cat. P012) 32

THE POTTERY OF FIELD 1 most specimens were found in Strata III and II, only two sherds were found in Stratum V and two in Stratum IV.

are miniature versions of larger jars and jugs (Fig. 58). There are several groups of particular types of juglets. The ‘carrot juglet’ is a common type in the region. It is a narrow juglet with a pointed base, and a flaring, rounded rim (Cat. P047-051; P156-161), and it comes in two basic types: the narrow elongated type (fig. 59) and the squat type, which somewhat resembles a miniature amphora (fig. 60). It is generally seen as an imitation of an Assyrian type of juglet (Amiran 1970:296) and it is common all over the Levant from Iron Age IIc onwards. Decoration, particularly common on the elongated type usually consists of groups of black lines. At Tell Mazar it is found from Stratum IV onwards.

Fig. 57. Jug type 7 (Cat. P030) Fig. 59. Elongated carrot juglet (Cat. P047)

Surface treatment is relatively rare, but more common than among storage jars (13 out of a total of 77 sherds). The beautifully decorated Astarte ‘beer jug’ is of this type (see p xxx). They are also found in ‘miniature’ versions, as juglets (Pl. 17:91,92; Fig. 58; Cat. P125, P126). The type is widespread, and can be found both east and west of the Jordan. Tell esSa’idiyeh has some early examples (Pritchard 1985Str. VII: fig. 4:33 and Str. V: fig. 11:17 and 18). In Deir Alla it is abundant in Phase VI (Groot 2011:XXI:11). It is found in Pella (McNicoll, Smith and Hennessy 1982 pl. 126:3,12). In Umeiri it is found in the latest IA II phases (Herr 1989:19.17.13). Fig. 58 Juglet type 7 Parallels from other sites show (Cat. P036) that this type of neck and handles can also belong to pilgrim’s flasks (Cat. P078). West of the Jordan pilgrim’s flasks of this type have been found. In Gezer, in the Persian layers a neck and rim was found that was ascribed to a flask (Gitin 1990 pl. 29:22). In Beth Shean flasks or possible flasks have been found in Level IV (James 1966 fig. 72:2,4). The Jericho typeseries has several examples (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig 213:4,5; 214:15).

Fig. 60. Squat carrot juglet (Cat. P050) Another, less common type of juglet has a cylindrical body, often slightly wider at the bottom than at the top, a round base and two knob handles (fig. 61). It is found on Tell Mazar most commonly in the burials (Yassine 1984:69-71 and fig. 3:11-16), but a small number have been found in the main excavation (Cat. P152-155). It is found in burials in the Amman region, but on the whole it is rare in domestic contexts (Herr, pers. comm).

Fig. 61. Bullet-shaped juglet (Cat. P153) Pyxides form a third group of juglets of a particular type, and probably with a particular function (Cat. P013; P146151; Fig. 62). Only one was found in a stratified context (P013: Stratum IV). They were probably used for precious oils or other rare commodities. The pyxides found on Mazar are local imitations of Mycenean prototypes, and are dated to the late IA I- IA II. Like the carrot juglets, they are common all over the Levant.

Juglets Several distinctive types of juglets have been found in Mazar. The most common type has a straight or flaring, rounded or triangular rim (Pl. 11:96, 98; Cat. P128, P129). One variation of this type of juglet has an elongated bagshaped or cylindrical body, usually with a rounded base, and an elongated loop handle attached to the rim, sticking out high above the rim (Cat. P040, P041). Some juglets 33

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Type 2 The oldest type (type 2) has a short lip, and a sharp ridge on the carination (Pl. 3:61-65; Pl. 6:54-57; Pl. 11:107-110; 2:104). This type of rim can have a triangular profile (as in Pl. 3:63-65). Sometimes the top of the rim is grooved (Pl. 21:15). The type is relatively more common in the earlier phases in Mazar. Herr (2000: 198) considers this a ‘fossil’ type of the IA II. In Umeiri it is common, and dated to the 10th-7th century (Herr 1989:19.4:4; 19.5:5,7; 19.12:6,7; Herr 1991:8.14: 16-18; 8.20:4). In Tell es-Sa’idiyeh the type appears from Str. VII onwards (Pritchard 1985 fig.1:14,16,22) and continues into the next strata (fig 8:6-11, 13; fig. 12 various; fig. 16:9). In Deir Alla it is common in phase VII (Groot 2011 Pl. IV:6,8) but becomes less so in later phases. In Beth Shan this type suddenly becomes common in level IV (James 1966 fig. 68:12-16, 69:1,2, 70:4). It also occurs in the Jericho typeseries (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig 212:1-4). In Gezer in the late 10th century what may well have been the predecessor of this type of jar is found in the 10th century (Gitin 1990 Pl 11B:7). In the 9th century it is a common type in Gezer (Gitin 1990 Pl 12:11,12) but then it largely seems to disappear, in favour of a less profiled type with a longer rim (see below), although the variant with a grooved top still occurs (Pl. 26:25,26). East of the Jordan, but outside the ‘Ammonite’ region it occurs on a number of sites, showing its wide distribution (e.g. Madaba: Piccirillo 1975 pl. 50:5). In Dornemann’s classification of the pottery of the Amman citadel (Dornemann 1983 fig. 59:708-711) it is type LXXVII (but see below).

Fig. 62. Pyxis (Cat. P147)

Pithoi Giant storage jars have been found in Mazar (Pl.22:3739), in small numbers. This type of storage jar is common in the Amman region (Herr 1989 fig. 19.12:9,11,12; Herr 1997:245; fig. 3.15:2; 3.22:1; 3.29:1,2). Herr suggests they may start earlier in the Iron Age, but in Mazar no early examples were found. The three pithos fragments were all from later, unstratified layers and pits. They are all of the same type, with a folded, bulbous rim on a short, inverted neck. These enormous storage jars are relatively rare on most sides, possibly because they were fixed in one place and therefore rarely broke. The bulbous rim seems to be a characteristic of this region and period. In Sa’idiyeh they are found from Stratum VII onwards (Pritchard 1985 fig. 4:22,23). In Umeiri a large corpus of giant pithoi of the ‘collared rim’ type appear in the Early Iron Age (Herr 1997:4.1420). One example of the same type was found in later strata (Herr 1997:7.11:1). The pithoi of tell Mazar may belong to this type, but the fragments are too small to ascertain this.

Type 1 A second type of holemouth jar, or bowl, with a long lip, becomes more common in the later phases in Mazar. Its lip bends inwards with a carination from the body, but is largely unprofiled (Pl. 3:59,60; Pl. 11:101-106; Pl. 18:103,106; Pl. 21:14). It becomes the dominant type in the later strata in Mazar. In the later strata the top of the rim is sometimes grooved (Pl. 11:105,106; Pl. 21:14). It also has a higher frequency of surface decoration (24%, while only 11% of type 2 holemouth jars had some form of surface treatment).

A related, neckless kind of pithos also occurs in Mazar occasionally (Pl. 11:115, Pl. 18:105, Pl. 19:149), but is the most common type of pithos in neighbouring Deir Alla (Groot 2011 XX:4; XXXIV:7; XLII:7; LII:7). This type has parallels in Umeiri (Herr 1989:19.12:9,11,12) but also west of the Jordan, for example in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 212:19). It is typical for the late Iron II/Persian tradition in Umeiri (Herr, pers.comm).

In Deir Alla this type is common from phase VII - III (Groot 2011 Pl. IV:5; XVI:1; XVIII:22-25; XXXI:1,5; XL:1; XLIX:1; LVIII:1). In Sa’idiyeh it is rare, and does not appear until stratum IV (Pritchard 1985 fig. 16:7). In Umeiri, too, the type does not appear until the later half of IA II (Herr 1989.19.5:4,6,8 and 19.13:7). Ridged ones are later than those without ridges (Herr 1991.8.13:37-40; 8.14). Others (8.19:25-26) have less of a ridge outside. Amman citadel has a number of holemouth jars of this type (Dornemann 1983 fig. 59:700-707,716,717. These are also classed as type LXXVII by Dornemann). The type continues well into the Persian period in Umeiri (Herr 2000:3.29:15; 3.32:14). According to Tappy (2001:102-107) this type appears west of the Jordan in the 9th century and continues well into IA IIBC, with the grooved top being typical of the

Holemouth jars The holemouth jar is a characteristic type of jar for the Iron Age II, being widespread on both sides of the Jordan. Holemouth jars represent 7.8% of the sample. It is a particular, neckless type of storage jar. Since in most cases only the rim was preserved, it has not been possible to discern between actual jars and the more bowl-like vessels that share the same rim shape.

34

THE POTTERY OF FIELD 1 later periods. In Jericho it is largely absent (possible parallels are Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig 212:13,14). In Jerusalem it does not become popular until the late phases (Franken and Steiner 1990: A1; 112-13). In Gezer it does not seem to occur at all, although the variant with grooves on top does appear in the later phases (Gitin 1990 pl 26:23,24). Type 3 Type 3 is relatively rare compared to the other two types. It has a groove as well as a ridge on the carination from the body to the rim (Pl. 3:66-67; Pl. 6:58; Pl. 11:111-114). Occasionally it also has grooves on top of the rim (as in Pl. 6:58). In Deir Alla this type is common in phase VII (Groot 2011 Pl. IV:1,2) but almost completely absent in the later phases. In Tell es-Sa’idiyeh it occurs in Stratum V (Pritchard 1985 fig. 14:17) and IV (Pritchard 1985 fig. 16:10). It is found in Umeiri in late IA II (Herr 1989:19.13:6; 19.14:3; 19.15:20,21; Herr 1991:7.15:2; 7.16:8; Herr 1997:3.29:16). Amman citadel has various examples of this type: 718-21. It was widespread, and not restricted to the ‘Ammonite’ region. A parallel to Pl.6:58, the rounded, thickened lip, and one or more ridges outside below the lip is found in early IA II in Madaba in Moab. It is also found in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig 212:7-9). In Jerusalem it becomes common in the latest phases (Franken and Steiner 1990 type B; 112-13). Further removed, in Gezer, a variant occurs with a ribbed top (Gitin 1990 pl 16:6). It is the most common type of holemouth jar in Qasile, on the Mediterranean coast in the Late Iron Age (Mazar 1985: fig. 57:8-13)

Fig. 63. Platter with carinated rim (Cat. P025) Type 2 The second type has an inverted rim. Sometimes this is set on the flat, almost horizontal body with a carination, with the top flaring out (Pl. 3:70; Pl. 18:110; Pl. 20:14, fig. 63). This type has parallels in Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 fig. 3:8,9), and in Umeiri (Herr 1997 fig. 7.16:26 and Herr 2000:3.29:32). The thin-walled variant (2:110) is common on the Amman Citadel (Dornemann 1983 type V: fig 54:492-97) and is found in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. XI:13). Outside the ‘Ammonite region’ a possible parallel can be found in Gezer (Gitin 1990 Pl 24:7), belonging to the 8th7th centuries. Platters with an unprofiled, incurving rim also occur (Pl. 6:61; Pl. 21:16) and have parallels on the Amman citadel (Dornemann 1983 type IV: fig. 54:487-88). This type can also be found in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. XXVII:11), in Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 Str. VII: fig 3:11) and in Umeiri (Herr 1997:7.16:26). Outside the ‘Ammonite region’ it seems to be very rare. Type 3 A special type of large serving platter, called by Franken a ‘mansaf bowl’ (Franken 1969:160; 236-37 [type 18]) is found occasionally (Pl. 21:18, Pl. 22:40; poss. Pl. 6:62, Pl. 12:117). This is a flat, saucerlike shape, with a folded in rim, a large and flat variant of open bowls type 4. Pl. 21:18 and Pl. 22:40 belong to this group. Both are burnished. Pl. 21:18 has a widening of the rim that can serve as a ledge handle (Pl. 22:40 was too small a fragment to determine whether it had a ledge or not). Franken and the parallels from Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. I:1, X:1; XXVII:1a) suggest that this ‘ledge handle’ was a common feature of this type of vessel. A possible parallel for this type of large serving platter can be found in Umeiri (Herr 1989: 19.16:6) but on the whole they are very rare outside the Deir Alla region, and may well be a local type. Several small platters had the same kind of rim (Pl. 18:109).

Platters Platters, or wide saucers are found in small numbers in all phases and must have functioned as serving bowls. There are two main types: one with straight or flaring rim, the other with inverted rim. Type 1 The most basic platter has a wide, unprofiled rim, either straight or slightly flaring, and a disc or ring base (Pl. 3:69; Pl. 12:116; Pl. 14:4; Pl. 18:107,108; Pl. 21:17; Cat. P027, P028). Some platters have a groove on the rim (Pl. 14:4; Pl. 18:107, Pl. 21:17), which seems to be a late Iron/Persian trait (Herr, pers. comm). The type 1 platter occurs on Ammonite sites such as Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 fig. 6:6; 10:24,25); Deir Alla (Groot 2011 passim), Umeiri (Herr 1989 fig. 19.10:12-17) and the Amman citadel (Dornemann 1983 type I and II: fig. 53:474-76 and 478-85). It is a common type, that occurs widely in the area. It is also found in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 195:1,2) and in Gezer from the mid-9th century onwards (Gitin 1990 pl. 14B:15; 24:8; 27:23, the last one with a flaring rim), and in Megiddo (Finkelstein et al 2000 fig. 11.52:2,3).

Almost half of all platters had some kind of surface treatment (27 out of 59).

Deep bowls Deep bowls form a relatively common group in all strata of Tell Mazar, with 509 rim sherds (13.6%) assigned to this group. Five different rim types have been discerned. 35

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On the whole surface treatment for this group of bowls is rare, only 77 sherds or 15% had traces of slip and/or burnishing, suggesting that this group was not generally seen as serving or table ware.

the IA II phases (Groot 2011 Pl. V:16; XVII:13b; XXXI:4; XLI:12,14; XLII:18-20; XLIX:8). A thin-walled variant is found in phase VI/V (XXXII:12). In Tell esSa’idiyeh it occurs in Stratum VII (Pritchard 1985 fig. 1:15) but not in the later strata. In Umeiri (Herr 2000:3.23:9,11) the rounded and inverted type appears in the early IA II. The Jericho typeseries also has a parallel (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 211:1,14). Type 4 The same general shape of vessel as type 3, but with a thickened, profiled rim is very common in Mazar in all strata (Pl. 4:78-81; Pl. 7:67-73; Pl. 12:121; 130-133,139; Pl. 18:115,118,119; Pl. 21:21-23). The rim profile can be bulbous, square or triangular, sometimes with a groove or an extra ridge on the outside. This type of deep bowl is common in all phases of Deir Alla IA II (Franken 1969 fig. 77; Groot 2011 Pl. IV:8; V:13,18; XVII:5; XXXII:9; XL:5-7). In Sa’idiyeh it is classified as a krater (Pritchard 1985 fig. 8:4; 9:15; 14:18). In Umeiri, where it is common, it is also generally classified as a krater (Herr 1989:19.7:6-9; 19.14:2; Herr 1997:3.12:4,5; 7.15:18). It is the same as Dornemann’s type LXXIV on the Amman Citadel (Dornemann 1983 fig. 53:441,442). Pella (McNicoll, Smith and Hennessy 1982 pl 124:1) forms a close parallel to Pl. 19:130. West of the Jordan this type of vessel is found in Beth Shan (James 1966: fig 69:8-10; 68:15-20) in Level IV, in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig 204) and in Jerusalem in all layers (Franken and Steiner 1990:114 type M-P).

Fig. 64. Deep bowl type 1 (Cat. P023) Type 1 The simple type of deep bowl has an upright, unprofiled rim, usually rounded (Pl. 3:71,74, Pl. 4:75; Pl. 7:63,64; Pl. 12:119,120; Pl. 18:111,113,114; fig. 64). According to Herr (1989:305; fig 19.8:14-22) it is a largely ‘Ammonite’ type, for which he gives parallels on several sites on the Plateau (one of which is Dibon, which is usually seen as a Moabite site). In the Jordan Valley this type of rim begins to appear in the latest IA I phases in Deir Alla (Franken 1969 fig. 77) and continues into IA II (Groot 2011 Pl. V:12,14,16; XVI:2ef; XVII:4b; XL:2bc). In Sa’idiyeh it is present in the earliest IA II phases (Pritchard 1985 fig. 1:17,18) after which it seems to disappear. It is also found on the Amman Citadel where it is type LXIII (Dornemann 1983 fig. 57:650-56) mostly with a clear carination.

Type 5 A variant of type 1 is everted, and squared, often thickened (Pl. 12:122-125; Pl. 18:120,121; Pl. 22:24,25). No parallels for this type are found in Umeiri or on the Amman citadel, but they appear already in the later phases of Deir Alla (Franken 1969 fig. 74:69,71,72) and are common in IA II phase VI (Groot 2011 Pl. XVII:9bc,10b; XVIII:15). One also occurs in the Jericho typeseries (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 210:4).

Type 2 is a deep bowl with an upright rim, but folded and profiled into either a rounded or triangular shape, It is a common shape, and it is not always possible to discern between type 1 and 2 (Pl. 3:5:72,73,83; Pl. 12:118; Pl. 18:112,116,124). They both seem to follow in the same tradition as Deir Alla Deep Bowls type 3 (Franken 1969:137-38), with in-folded and smoothed rim. This type has parallels in Umeiri (Herr 1989:19.7:11; 19.8:14,15,18). Outside the Ammonite region parallels of this type of bowl are rare. There is, however, a possible parallel in Dibon (Tushingham 1972 fig. 24:24,26 (tomb 7)). There are also parallels in the Jericho typeseries (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig 210:21,23). Type 3 is a deep bowl with an inverted upper body and an unprofiled, straight rim (Pl. 4:76,77; Pl. 7:65,66; Pl. 12:138; Pl. 18:117; Pl. 21:19,20). Herr (2000:198) sees this type also as a ‘fossil type’ for the first half of the Iron Age II (Herr 2000:198). It comes in two variants: a thick walled (Pl. 4:76-77) and a thin-walled (Pl. 12:138, Pl. 21:20) vessel. Pl. 7:65 and 66, which have a slight carination, form a ‘transitional’ type between this vessel and type 1. Out of a total of 23 vessels, 6 had some kind of surface treatment, either slip or burnishing. The type has parallels in Umeiri (Herr 1989: 19.4:6,9 and 19.10:6 and Herr 1991:3.14:37). In Deir Alla it occurs in

Fig. 65. Thin-walled bowl type 5 (Cat. P076) A thin-walled, small bowl, globular with an upright or everted rim, set on the bowl with a carination and pointed or rounded at the top (Pl. 12:136-137; Pl. 16:50,51; Pl. 20:2; Pl. 21:3; Fig. 65; Cat. P075) is possibly a variant of 36

THE POTTERY OF FIELD 1 this type, although thin-walled bowls of every type may also represent a different tradition altogether. It also differs from the other deep bowls in that almost half the bowls (9 out of 20) had some kind of surface treatment. This type is common in the Ammonite region (Herr 1989:305, fig. 19.8:14-22). One bowl of this type was found with a fine crowstep decoration (Pl. 23p).

rim type, but more often not. It is clear that in the Mazar corpus both types continue to exist side by side. This type is widespread, both in the ‘Ammonite’ region, and outside it. It is the only type cooking pot that has parallels in Jerusalem in the same period (Franken and Steiner 1990:106-07, Type C1-9 and D). In Jericho are several types belonging to this group (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 215:6,13,15,32,37; 216:5-7). It appears to be the only type cooking pot found on the Amman Citadel (Dornemann 1983 type LXXXII; fig. 59:727-29). The conspicuous, grooved rim found here has parallels in Mazar (Pl. 7:86; Pl. 19:131; Pl. 22:41,42), as well as in Umeiri (Herr 1989:19.10:18-20). According to Dornemann (1983:117) this type may be typical for the region. It continues in Deir Alla until phase III (Groot 2011:1,7).

This type does have possible parallels in Umeiri (Herr 1989:19.8.17,19) and on the Amman Citadel, where it appears in the last quarter of the 8th century (Dornemann 1983:179; fig. 55:548). In Deir Alla it is common in all IA II phases (Groot 2011 Pl. IV:7; XVI:3; XXXI:3; XL:4; XLIX:6). In Tell es-Sa’idiyeh it is found in Stratum IV (Pritchard 1985 fig. 15:12,14). Thin-walled bowls with a flaring rim with pointed top also appear in Gezer in the 7th-6th centuries (Gitin 1990 pl. 27:20,21) and in Jericho (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig. 211:11). It becomes more common in the later IA II and Persian periods in Umeiri (Herr 2000:4:36:2).

Type 2 A second type of cooking pot has a bulbous rim set directly on the inverted, rounded body (Pl. 13:145). This type is rare in Mazar, but it is one of the most common types in Umeiri (Herr 1989:19.11:1-9). It is also common in Deir Alla phase VI (Groot 2011 Pl. XXIV:3,4; XXXVI:2; LIV:3) A variant of this type (2B) which is more common in Mazar, has a ridge on the transition from body to rim (Pl. 7:77; Pl. 13:146,147; Pl. 19:138,139,144). Only one parallel for this type is found in Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 fig. 15:27), and none in Umeiri or on the Amman Citadel (Herr 1989:19.17:6 may be related). It was also found in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 Pl. XXVI:7bc,8; XXXVI:6; LIV:4). One possible parallel was found in Pella (McNicoll, Smith and Hennessy 1982 pl 124:5). It is, however, a common type on the Moabite Plateau (Steiner 2009), together with another type of cooking pot (the socalled ‘Moabite cooking pot’), which is unique for the region (see below). A rare variant has a groove on top (Pl. 4:91,92), while others have a groove on the side (Pl. 7:87; Pl. 13:144).

Cooking pots Cooking pots are a special category in any repertoire because of their specialized production (see below) and distribution patterns. The cooking pots of Tell Mazar form a relatively large percentage of the total sample (502 rimsherds or 13%). They have been classified into four main groups.

Another variant has a less bulbous and more squarish rim, set upright on the inverted body (Pl. 13:149, Pl. 22:43). This is a common type in Mazar, but it does not seem to have any regional parallels, with the possible exception of one example in Umeiri (Herr 1997:7.16:31).

Fig. 66. Cooking pot type 1 (Cat. P170) Type 1 The oldest and most common type in our corpus (Pl. 4:86-90,98; Pl. 7:74-76,82,86; Pl. 12:142,143; Pl. 19:131137; Pl. 22:26-30,42; fig. 66) has a rim that is generally vertical to slanting inwards, and set on the body with a carination. The rim is folded out (see Pl. 22:26), and pressed against the body, sometimes forming a groove and ridge. This type has been common from the later IA I onwards (see for example the corpus in Deir Alla 1969). The ware of the pottery also does not change between IA I and IA II: mainly calcite, which gives the ware its special gritty look and feel. In particular many of the unstratified cooking pots of this type are thin-walled, wide and with a mostly triangular rim (Pl. 22:27,28). Franken discerns between a once-folded and a twicefolded (second time inwards) rim. In certain cases the difference between the two techniques is visible in the

Type 3 cooking pots have the same rimshapes as the type 2 cooking pots, but they are distinguished by the use of a different ware. The clay used for these pots was tempered heavily with sand (quartz), instead of the more usual (for cooking pots) calcite. The frequency of the different variants also differs significantly in this group, compared to the calcite-tempered group. A transition from calcite to quartz as temper in cooking pot ware has been recorded for Deir Alla phase VII (Groot 2011:210). In Mazar it is limited to type 3 cooking pots5. The plain bulbous rim is rare (Pl. 4:94). Pl. 19:140 has a 5

In Deir Alla, according to Groot (2011:212) the use of calcite as temper for cooking pots disappears largely in the course of the 8th century, but he also states that later phases had a remarkably high level of ‘intrusive’ cooking pot sherds of older types with calcite temper.

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groove on the side of the rim, and Pl. 4:95 has a groove on the top of the rim. The square or squarish rim is more common (Pl. 4:93; Pl. 13:148,152,153; Pl. 19:142,143). A variant of this (sub)type (3B), which only occurs in the second, sand-tempered group, has a square rim with a groove on top (Pl. 13:150; Pl. 19:141,145). It always has one or more grooves on the side, halfway the lower attachment of the handles. This variant strongly a type that is otherwise only known from the Moab plateau (but very common there). It has been dubbed the ‘Moabite’ cooking pot (Routledge unpubl. 186-173; Steiner 2009). Groot (2011:213) identifies it as ‘cooking pot ware group 2’ which is predominantly found in Central Transjordan. According to Steiner (2009:153) the Deir Alla examples were ‘virtually indistinguishable’ from the Moabite examples. This is clearly not the case in Mazar. The Mazar examples are close, but are not identical to the Moabite ones. One characteristic which occurs on type 3 cooking pots only is the presence of one or more grooves on the body of the pot at the level of the lower attachment of the handle (the ‘shoulder, if one can speak of that on such a convex body). This has not been noted on the Moab plateau (Steiner, pers. comm; Routledge unpubl), suggesting that the Jordan Valley variant is a related, but diverging tradition. The Deir Alla examples are grouped in the ‘Central Transjordan group’ (Groot 2011 Pl. VIII, XXIV, XXVI; XXXVI; XLV).

in Jericho where it is the most common type (Kenyon and Holland 1982 fig 216:26-28; 217:1-24), in Gezer (Gitin 1990 Pl. 22A:2,5; Pl 24:14, dated to the mid-8th ctry); in Megiddo (Finkelstein et al 2000 fig. 11.45:3,4; 11.53:1,10; 2nd half 8th ctry) and as far away as the Mediterranean coast in Qasile (Mazar 1985 fig. 56; dated to the 7th ctry). The distribution of cooking pot types 2,3 and 4 invokes a number of questions about the distribution of cooking pots in the wider region, and the mechanisms of pottery distribution in general, as well as about the boundaries of ethnic territories. The Tell Mazar repertoire includes one type of cooking pot common on the Central Transjordanian plateau (type 2B) and another type that is clearly related to a uniquely Transjordanian type, even though it is not identical (type 3B), in a pottery repertoire that is otherwise overwhelmingly ‘Ammonite’. Groot’s analysis of fabrics has shown that pottery was traded between the Transjordanian Plateau and the Valley (Groot 2011: 229-30). However, his sand-tempered cooking pots of the ‘Central Transjordanian Group’ were produced using local (Damiyeh) clay. This strongly suggests that there was not only a ‘free flow’ of household goods (e.g. pottery) between different ethnic territories, but also itinerant potters. This ‘free flow’ of household goods between ethnic territories suggests that the distribution of a pottery repertoire may be less of a ‘cultural marker’ than is often taken for granted (van der Steen in press). At the same time, the absence of this specific type of cooking pot from the Amman plateau (Herr, pers. comm) suggests that cooking pot production was specialized. The presence in Stratum V of two ‘Judean’ cooking jars (Cat. P010, P011) suggests that there was also trade with the region west of the Jordan. The use of sand as a temper for cooking pot clay differs radically from what was, until the 8th century, the common addition to cooking pot clay in the Jordan Valley, namely crystalline calcite (Franken 1969:130). The Deir Alla Iron Age II cooking pots were made from local clay, suggesting the introduction of a new technique by possibly itinerant potters, who travelled between Moab and the Jordan Valley. According to Groot calcite temper disappears almost overnight from the Deir Alla repertoire (but see note 5 above). Without technological studies it is impossible to determine whether the Mazar cooking pots were locally produced. They seem to be slightly different from the Deir Alla group. A possible conclusion would be that there were several potters or potters’ workshops working in the same tradition but with a slightly different outcome. It is also possible that there is a – short – difference in time between the two repertoires, and that the type has evolved. It is clear that if the same potters, or potters working in the same tradition, were responsible for the production of cooking pots on the Moab plateau and in the Jordan Valley, this type of pot at least is unrelated to the ‘ethnicity’ of its users. At the same time, a second type of cooking pot, with a bulbous rim directly on the inverted body, and a small ridge on the transition from body to rim, also points to a

Fig. 67. Large type 4 cooking pot (Cat. P009) Type 4 The fourth type of cooking pot (Pl. 4:96,97; Pl. 7:78-81; Pl. 13:154; Pl. 19:146; Pl. 22:32; fig. 67) is a relatively small vessel, with a bulbous, folded, rounded, inward bulging rim on an inverted body, and a sharp ridge on the side or the top of the rim. It is generally tempered with calcite, and the shape may have derived from the larger and wider type 1 cooking pot, although this is much more compact. Fig. 67 is an early example, and is much larger than the later vessels. This type is common in the Jordan Valley, for example on Tell es-Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 fig 3:22-24,27; 6:3137; fig 13:9,19,21). In Deir Alla phase L (Franken 1969 fig. 74:36) an early precursor of this type may be found. In Umeiri it is not a common type (one possible parallel in Herr 2000:3.30:14). It is, however, common west of the Jordan, for example 38

THE POTTERY OF FIELD 1 special connection between the Moab Plateau and the Jordan Valley. This type does occur on other sites, such as Hesban (Ray 2001 fig. 3:17-18) but it is rare. In Deir Alla and Mazar, however, it is a common type. Where checked, the fabric of the clay was mixed, containing sand, lime, flint and other inclusions, like it did in the Moabite examples (Steiner 2009:153). The fourth group, type 4, has connections with the west side of the Jordan, where it is common. This, together with the presence of several ‘Judean’ cooking jars, strengthens the suggestion that the distribution, and possibly production of cooking pots (and possibly other vessels as well, Groot 2011:230) bears no straightforward relation to the territorial borders of the various ethnic groups in the Late Iron Age.

The Ware Most of the pottery seems to have been made locally, using wares that compare to those from Deir Alla. The colour of most sherds varies between red and buff or cream 6 . Cooking pots are often a darker red, or dark brown to black. Groot (this volume) has analyzed a sample of the Tell Mazar repertoire. Temper, or filling also did not deviate in any way from what we know of the pottery from Deir Alla. A thorough study of the wares was not possible within the remits of this study, but a general (microscope 10x) comparison with the fabrics and tempers found in Deir Alla (Groot 2011:187-230) suggests that the similarity in pottery types coincides with a similarity in provenance. The majority of sherds that have been studied had a mixture of lime, sand and organic material. The ware for cooking pots was often tempered with angular, crushed calcite which glitters in the fresh break. This continued to exist side by side with the newer sandtempered cooking pots, the so-called Moabite cooking pot (Groot’s CP ware 2).

Cooking pots are subject to heavy handling, particularly sudden and localized changes in temperature, which makes high demands of the fabric as well as the shape. For this reason cooking pots normally have a round base, to prevent tension in the wall of the vessel. The fabric too needs to be resilient to changes in temperature and the use of liquids. The production technique, including shaping, adding of temper and firing, all differed radically from the production of other vessels, which makes it likely that there were potters specializing only in cooking pots (London 1991:405).

Surface treatment, other than wet-smoothing and scraping, consisted mostly of slip and/or wheel burnishing. Paint was also relatively common. The painted motifs fit into the local repertoire of the late 7th and 6th centuries, with close parallels for most motifs in neighbouring Deir Alla (Groot 2011 plates LXIII-LXIX). The majority of painted decoration consisted of straight red or brownish lines or simple geometric patterns (plate 23:a-g), on a background of pink (self)slip. Bichrome decoration was also relatively frequent. The most common motif consisted of two black lines flanking a broad red or white band (Plate 23:h-k). Plate 23:l is an unusual bichrome motif, that has, however, a possible parallel in Deir Alla (Groot 2011 plate LXV:4). One sherd (plate 23:m) was made of fine ware, burnished and painted with white dots on a band of black slip (parallel in Deir Alla: Groot 2011 plate LXVIII:1). A particularly decorative pattern is the band of crowsteps that appears on three different vessels: on a fine-ware globular bowl with an upright rim, below a white painted band and black lines (plate 23:p; plate 21:3); on the rim of a platter (plate 23:o), and on a rare globular bowl with a vertical neck and everted rim from Stratum V (plate 23:q), flanked by black lines and white bands. The crowstep pattern is rare but it has been found in Umeiri (Herr 1989 fig. 19.11:21; also Dornemann 1983: 86-87) and in Hesban. Several sherds with crowstep pattern have also been found in Deir Alla (Groot 2011:159-160 and plate LXVI:11 and LXVIII:9); it is largely limited to the

Bases Bases are generally flat, disc or ring bases. Cooking pot bases are rounded. Juglets may be carrot-shaped, with a pointed base (2:19,20; P047-050), or cylindrical, with a rounded base (P006, 014); Another type of juglet is a miniature version of type 7 jugs, with a ring or disc base (P037-038). One particular type of base that is often seen as a ‘marker’ for the Ammonite region is the double-disc base. This is found in Mazar from Stratum 4 onwards (2:8-13; fig. 68). It is common in Umeiri, where it is generally dated to the Late Iron II – Persian period.

6

Munsell colours were not taken. As Franken has pointed out repeatedly (e.g. Franken 1990:86-87) the colour of a sherd is only significant if certain minimum requirements are met, such as identical firing conditions. This would mean refiring of the sherds, which was outside the scope of this study. It has been done for a small sample (see Groot, this vol). In many cases one sherd can have several, up to four different colours or shades in different parts. Therefore the colours are only broadly described. They do not differ in any way from the colours of the pottery of Deir Alla.

Fig. 68 ‘double-disc’ bases.

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Persian period. In Str.II a fragment was found of what may have been an animal-shaped vessel, with bichrome painted decoration (Pl. 23:n)

later. In Deir Alla it appears for the first time in Phase VII, but it becomes common in phase VI. Type 10, the mortar-like thick-walled bowl, sometimes with a tripod base, sometimes with a thick ring-base, is common in the Amman region from the 7th century onwards, and in Mazar it appears in quantity from Stratum IV onwards. In Deir Alla it also becomes common in Phase VI. The third major development that accentuates the distinction between Stratum V and IV is the appearance of the distinctive ‘double disc base’, relatively common from Stratum IV onwards. These three typological traits appear predominantly in the Ammonite region, and are defined as Ammonite ‘markers’ by Herr. The fact that none of them appear in the corpus before Stratum IV is suggestive of a culturalpolitical development in the period between the two strata. While normally the material culture of a local population would be little affected by political events, the introduction of a new governing elite, as suggested by the presence of an administrative building, may well have coincided with the introduction of certain types of vessel, reflecting the cultural preferences of the newcomers. The fact that most of the pottery types continue without changing much, bears that out. There are some slight tendencies in several types that seem to become gradually more or less common over time, but the numbers of individual types are too small to be statistically reliable. One development that is clear in Strata IV to II is the increase in surface treatment: slip, burnishing and painted decoration all become more common in the later phases.

A number of fragments of bread moulds were found, mostly in unstratified contexts (fig. 69).

Fig. 69. Fragment of bread mould.

Stratigraphic development Over the period from Stratum V to Stratum II several new types are introduced, but on the whole the repertoire shows a remarkable continuity. Stratum IV saw the introduction of several new types and traits. Open bowls type 7 appear for the first time in Stratum IV, in relatively large numbers, testifying to a major break, and a period of non-settlement between Strata V and IV. The type coincides with the ‘Ammonite’ types in Umeiri, which are dated to the 7th century, and in Sa’idiyeh Str. V and

40

PRODUCTION AND EXCHANGE OF CERAMICS IN THE CENTRAL JORDAN VALLEY DURING THE IRON AGE IIC Niels C. F. Groot Introduction

of Iron Age IIc-III sites in the Central Jordan Valley was selected. The decision for this specific approach and for the choice of sites was based on the fact that the Central Jordan Valley harbours three different geological areas, e.g. the Zor (river plain of the river Jordan); the Ghor ( higher situated river terrace); and the foothills of the adjacent highlands. Additionally, within this region there are four wadis that transect the foothills, e.g. Wadi ezZerqa, Wadi el-Ghor, Wadi Rajib and Wadi Kufrinjeh. As a consequence, it can be expected that several different clay sources exist in the region besides the Damya clay formation, which is abundantly present in the Ghor (see Abed 1985; Horowitz 2001: 544; Groot 2011: 188-189) . As some of the sites mentioned are situated outside the wide valley floor of the Ghor, it could well have been the case that different clay sources were exploited if production localities were situated at or nearby these sites.

This chapter aims at providing some insight into the position and function of Tell al-Mazār in the wider region: the central Jordan Valley and the highlands to the east and west, based on a comparison of its pottery repertoire with that of Tell Deir ‘Allā. The analysis of the pottery of Iron Age IIc and III Tell Deir ‘Allā has been a part of the PhD thesis of the author. A sample of the Iron Age IIc pottery of Tell al-Mazār has been studied, using the same methodology. The results are presented below. Ceramic Research The historical and archaeological situation of Northern Central Transjordan during the Iron Age IIc and III is relatively obscure. As the most ubiquitous (archaeological) material category in the Southern Levant since the Pottery Neolithic (5900 B.C.) is pottery, the study of the traditions underlying the production and distribution of this artefact category has the potential to provide valuable insight into the vicissitudes of the regional society during the era. In addition, the Northern Central Transjordanian ceramic assemblages had barely been studied with regard to the production and distribution of pottery or to the continuity and change within these traditions. Therefore, the unique stratigraphic sequence of the Iron Age IIc and III phases at Tell Deir ‘Allā in combination with the size of excavated pottery corpus from the relevant strata offered an exceptional possibility to understand the regional society of Northern Central Transjordan. The resulting pottery study was aimed at mapping traditions of production and exchange per phase as well as the continuity and change of these traditions between the subsequent phases of Tell Deir ‘Allā . The results of this study provided a good insight into continuity and change of the local and regional society during the Late Iron Age. Why a sample of Tell al-Mazār? The study of the ceramics from Tell al-Mazār was conducted as part of the study of pottery from regional Iron Age IIc-III sites, i.e. Tell ‘Ammata, Tell al‘Adliyyeh and Tell Dāmiyah (See fig. 70). This research was aimed at answering one of the main research questions of the study of Iron Age IIc-III ceramics from Tell Deir ‘Allā, namely the question whether or not regional potters had exploited different clay deposits within the Central Jordan Valley during the Iron Age IIcIII, and if so, whether they supplied the inhabitants of Deir ‘Allā with pottery. To achieve this insight a number

Fig. 70. Location of sampled sites in the Central Jordan Valley and on the Central Transjordanian plateau 41

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minor, fabric type from Tell Deir ‘Allā. The second phase of the research was based on the results of this XRF-analysis. It consisted in the compositional analysis of a limited sample of characteristic wares from Tell Deir ‘Allā, by applying Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA).

The sample of Tell al-Mazār In contrast to the sampled assemblage of Deir Allā the sampling of the Mazar ceramics was fairly random. The only distinction was made between the non-cooking pot





vessels ( =27) and the cooking pots ( =8). The distinction between both vessel types is based on ethnographic and archaeological parallels, which indicate that especially cooking pots could have been manufactured in specialized regional or supraregional workshops. In the case of the non-cooking pot vessels a number of somewhat larger shapes were also selected for sampling as these vessels were likely to have been produced locally. This strategy was based on the notion that with increasing vessel size the difficulties and risks in transport also grow. Besides sherds, the sampled collection of Tell al-Mazār included also a fragment of a clay silo.

Production and distribution in the Central Jordan Valley during the Iron Age IIc: An overview of the regional ceramic production The results of the study of ceramics from Tell Deir ‘Allā and the other regional sites shows amongst others that pottery was produced in the Central Jordan Valley during the Iron Age IIc. The analysis shows that at all sites used regionally produced pottery and that these ceramics were apparently all made with the clay from the so-called Damya clay formation. This clay formation is encountered in the wide valley floor, the Ghor, of the Central as well as the Southern Jordan Valley (Abed 1985: 86). As a consequence of this widespread usage of the Damya clay the number of regional production locations during the studied period cannot be further determined. The regional ceramic production during the Iron Age IIc can be described as versatile. The potters - who worked in individual workshops - had the use of a range of manufacturing techniques, including the ability to manipulate the Damya clay through levigation and the addition of a range of locally available tempers. This is especially clear in the local production of the heavily tempered cooking pots.

Methodology for the study of the ceramics This section presents the brief overview of the applied methods for the study of the ceramics from Tell al-Mazār. For further details see Groot 2011: 84-92. The first step in the research of the ceramics from Tell alMazār was the study of the fabrics within the selected assemblage. A small fragment of 2-4 cm. in size was removed from each sherd. These fragments were ground until horizontal and smooth. The resulting cross sections were re-fired at 750°C in oxidising circumstances in order to compare the different wares as re-firing removes the effects of firing in differing atmospheric conditions. Afterwards the fabrics were studied using a stereomicroscope and classified into different fabric types. These resulting wares were compared with the Iron Age IIc-III fabrics from Tell Deir ‘Allā. After this classification, the remaining sherd fragments of Tell al-Mazār were chemically analyzed. This study firstly aimed at determining which of the distinguished ceramic fabrics within the studied assemblage of Tell Deir ‘Allā were made from clays in the Central Jordan Valley, and secondly at determining whether there were specific imported wares in the Central Jordan Valley. The chemical analysis was divided into two analytical phases. The first phase was a study using the analytical technique of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF). The sample of the first chemical characterisation study comprised four groups: 1.) A representative set of selected fabrics from Tell Deir ‘Allā, which reflected the synchronic as well as diachronic distribution of fabrics at the site; 2.) A number of samples from bread ovens and silos, which are assumed to have been made from the local Damya-formation clay as the walls of these constructions exhibit the similar visual characteristics as samples from the Damya formation clay; 3.) a group of random samples from excavated Iron Age IIc-Persian sites from the Central Jordan Valley was included, i.e. also the ceramics from Tell al-Mazār; 4.) A specific fabric group from the ‘Ammān citadel was added, which strongly resembles a specific, although

Pottery fabrics from Tell al-Mazār with a regional provenance The study of the wares within the sampled collection from Tell al-Mazār attested clear similarities in the fabric distribution at Iron Age IIc Deir ‘Allā and Mazar. The two main fabric groups are discussed below. ‘Damya’ fabrics The sampled non-cooking pot vessels are mainly composed of the so-called Damya fabrics. This fabric category is the dominant ware at both Iron Age IIc Tell Deir ‘Allā and Tell al-Mazār. It is characterised by the presence of reddish/ brownish undissolved clay particles. Thin section analysis identified these particles as an early stage of mudstone. In addition, these particles are accompanied in the matrix by quartz sand and lime grains. Besides chemical analysis, the study of a sample of the Damya formation clay attested the presence of these particles within this geological deposition (Groot 2011). This fabric type has been the dominant ware type at Tell Deir ‘Allā since the Late Bronze Age (Franken 1969; 1992; Vilders 1992; Groot 2011). Similar to ceramics from Iron Age IIc phases VII and VI of Tell Deir ‘Allā , the sampled collection of Tell al-Mazār comprised two ‘Damya fabric types’: 1.) The first fabric, Damya fabric 1, is characterized by a dominant amount of lime grains and the presence of 42

NIELS GROOT: PRODUCTION AND EXCHANGE OF CERAMICS mudstone. Less dominant, although generally present is quartz sand. Furthermore hematite and occasionally a calcite grain are found. The fabric usually contains a varying amount of pores from fine organic temper, probably chaff or dung (Fig. 71).

sand grains and a lower amount of lime particles (see Fig 74).

Fig. 73. Cooking pot fabric 1, refired cross section

Fig. 71. Damya Fabric 1, refired cross section. 2.) The second type, Damya fabric 2, contains a significant amount of quartz sand and a lower amount of lime. In addition, again the presence of mudstone is evident as well as some hematite grains and occasionally a sandstone and/or calcite grain. During preparation the fabric has also been mixed with a variable amount of fine organic temper, most likely chaff or dung (Fig. 72).

Fig. 74. Cooking pot fabric 2, refired cross section. The sampled cooking pot sherds from Tell al-Mazār demonstrate that similar to Tell Deir ‘Allā a marked transition had taken place in the use of cooking pot temper in the eight century B.C. It concerns the shift from the usage of calcite towards silica minerals as cooking pot temper. At Mazar this transition is illustrated by the presence of cooking pot ware 2, which contains much quartz sand grains. This shift can be attributed to the fact that silica minerals, in contrast to calcite, do not have the problem of lime spalling and can therefore be fired on a higher temperature (Rye 1981:33-34). Nevertheless as evident from Mazar cooking pot ware 2 and from correlating fabrics of Tell Deir ‘Allā lime continued to be added in a small amount (Groot 2011: 210-213). Correlated with the appearance of cooking pot ware 2, is the introduction of new Central Transjordanian cooking pot types. At Tell al-Mazār this concerns cooking pot type 3, which correlates with Tell Deir ‘Allā cooking pot types VII.CP.2-3; VI.CP.2-5. As mentioned above, the change in the usage of cooking pot temper can be dated to the eight century B.C. The attributed date is based on the observed transition between Tell Deir ‘Allā phases IX and VII. This change was earlier than previously assumed (London 1999: 91). Although in Deir ‘Allā phase VII - when the transition was complete – as well as at Iron Age IIc Mazar - calcitetempered cooking pot types were still present to a limited extent within the repertoire. This traditional fabric type is

Fig.72. Damya Fabric 2, refired cross section.

Cooking pot fabrics The characteristic fabrics connected to the dominant cooking pot types from Tell Deir ‘Allā and Tell al- Mazār have a reddish-orange colour and commonly a high percentage of non-plastics. Despite their different appearance, these wares have also been produced using the Damya formation clay (Groot 2011: 229). In the sample from Tell al-Mazār two cooking pot fabrics have been observed: Cooking pot ware 1. This dark reddish cooking pot ware contains predominantly crushed calcite as temper (fig 73). It is the dominant cooking pot fabric from generally the Late Bronze Age until the Iron Age IIb. Cooking pot ware 2. This fabric is the most dominant cooking pot fabric in the Iron Age IIc and III-settlements in the Central Jordan Valley. It contains mainly quartz 43

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connected with older cooking pot types. Possibly, these observed sherds could be stray or reused sherds. Interestingly, the assigned date for this local transition towards the usage of silica minerals corresponds also with the date of this innovation in Jerusalem. Here, the new cooking pot fabrics were encountered in phase 3, also eighth century B.C. In Jerusalem this innovation occurred alongside the introduction of the wheel thrown cooking pots, which are devoid of calcite and contain only with very fine sand/silt (Franken and Steiner 1991: 82, 107). Also in phase VII-assemblage Deir ‘Allā – when the transition was complete - these wheel thrown cooking pots were encountered for the first time and in a limited amount. These vessels were most likely imported (Groot 2011: 230).

Fig. 76. Example of pinkish-whitish fabric group. This specific group of non-Damya fabrics was not confined to the sites of Deir ‘Allā and Mazar. It has been encountered at all other sampled Central Jordan Valley sites. This aspect became clear after the XRF-analysis of all sampled regional sites. But even more remarkable is the presence of this specific group of wares at distant sites on the Central Transjordanian plateau. Within the studied collection of Iron Age ceramics from the ‘Ammān Citadel site a specific and restricted fabric group corresponds with the whitish-pinkish fabrics from Tell Deir ‘Allā and surrounding sites. Besides visual resemblance, also XRF-analysis indicated similarity in chemical composition between both. Moreover, correlation between the INAA data from Deir ‘Allā and the results of INAA of Iron Age ceramics from the even more distant sites of Tell Hesban and Tell el-‘Umayri proved that at these latter sites also a limited set of similar and probably non-local ceramics was present. Notable is the fact that all corresponding sherds from these sites share similar characteristics in the correlating fabrics, while color and mineralogical composition also appear to be similar. Therefore, it is probable that the sampled group from these sites originated in a similar geological region. Also remarkable is that at Hesban and ‘Umayri a significant proportion of the concerning sherds has also received a fine red slip and subsequent close burnish (Groot 2011: 227-229).

Transport of pottery towards the Central Jordan Valley during the Iron Age IIc: Vessels from the Central Transjordanian plateau A second main conclusion of the study of ceramics from Tell Deir ‘Allā and the surrounding sites is the existence of a continuous exchange network in Central Transjordan throughout the studied period. Central in this exchange network is a group of distinctive slipped and often subsequently close burnished and/or pink-whitish ceramics. At both Tell al-Mazār and Tell Deir ‘Allā the correlating whitish-pinkish and lime-rich fabrics appeared to be made of a different clay source than the local Damya fabrics (Groot 2011: 229-230). At Tell al-Mazār an example of a Black Burnished vessels also contains this fabric. Figs 75 and 76 display two different fabric types that belong to this group of pinkish-whitish fabrics. These fabrics resemble Non Damya fabric types A and B from Tell Deir ‘Allā (Groot 2011: 198-200).

Vessels from (Southern) Palestine Based on the fabrics within the sampled collection it seems that, similar to nearby Tell Deir ‘Allā, a limited amount of vessels from Palestine had ended up at Tell el Mazar (See Fig. 77). In Deir ‘Allā the most prominent imported ware is a group of bowls from phases VII, VI and possibly V/VI. These are Deir ‘Allā vessel types VII.OB.20; VI.OB.44; VI.CB.5; and V/VI.CB.8. These vessels have predominantly stylistic parallels in Southern Palestine. At Tell Deir ‘Allā a relative wide range of fabrics is correlated with this group (Groot 2011: 202204). The assumption of a Palestinian origin of the concerning fabrics is solely based on the combination between nonCentral Transjordanian shapes, specific techniques and visually different fabrics. Unfortunately, a non-local

Fig. 75. Example of pinkish-whitish fabric group. The results of the XRF-analysis and INAA analysis clearly indicate that these fabrics represent a different compositional group. Consequently, the fabrics have been made with a clay other than the Damya clay. At Tell Deir ‘Allā, these fabrics were not confined to a single phase, but were found throughout Iron Age IIc and in most of the Persian period phases.

44

NIELS GROOT: PRODUCTION AND EXCHANGE OF CERAMICS provenance could not be confirmed by XRF-analysis as well as by INAA. This fact can be attributed to the compositional differences between the visually heterogeneous set of sampled fabrics. Therefore, it can be stated that the sampled ‘Palestinian’ wares did probably not come from a single location (Groot 2011: 230). In Mazar these vessels coincide with Open Bowl type 5. The sampled examples also contained clearly distinct fabrics.

Northern Central Transjordanian highlands. Furthermore, the strategic location of the Central Jordan Valley near Palestine is the explanation behind the limited distribution of ceramics from (Southern)Palestine throughout most of this time in contrast to the sites on the Central Transjordanian plateau. These patterns are also very clear in the Iron Age IIc assemblage from Tell alMazār. The changes that have occurred in the production and exchange of the repertoire of Tell Deir ‘Allā are the result of a number of reasons. Probably changes in the entire Northern Central Transjordanian tradition of production and exchange are caused by a gradual evolution in the ceramic production, imitation of certain trends as well as contacts between communities (of potters). The observed changes cannot be clearly linked to the political situation of that time. However, in the case of the demise of Palestinian imports in Deir ‘Allā phase V/VI (sixth century B.C.) it is suspected that contemporary havoc in Palestine caused by the rise and rule of the NeoBabylonian empire resulted in a temporary cessation or decrease in the exchange of ceramics from Palestine. At that time, however, Tell Mazar was already abandoned. Thus whatever has happened regarding the political situation of Northern Central Transjordanian, it was not of such a magnitude that it permanently disrupted traditional patterns in production and exchange of vessels in this region. Concluding, the Iron Age IIc ceramic repertoires of Tell Deir ‘Allā and Tell al-Mazār testify of an elaborate and apparently relatively stable system of production and distribution of ceramics in this era.

Fig. 77. Example of a fabric correlated with ‘Palestinian’ vessels.

Continuity and change in the production and exchange of pottery during the Iron Age IIc. The production and distribution of pottery in the Central Jordan Valley displays a large degree of continuity during the Iron Age IIc, especially in its strong ties with the

45

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46

A beer jug with a female head attached Régine Hunziker-Rodewald In 1979, during the third excavation campaign on the summit of the main tell, at the western edge of Field I, a spouted jug with a plastic decoration of a well preserved female head has been discovered (locus nr. GE8/24, object nr. 89/79; fig. 78). The jug is kept in the Archaeology Museum of the University of Jordan in Amman. It has been previously published by the excavator (Yassine 1988: pl. XII,1), but in a very modest way which does not do justice to this exceptional artefact. Hence it shall be presented here in detail again.

hybrid with a decanter-type body, a large mouth, a beer jug spout and an amphoriskoi-type handle. It is of red burnished ware with a buff slip or self slip and decorated with two groups of black lines, with traces of white between the dark lines at the bottom, characteristic for Ammonite pottery of IA IIC. Between the lip and the ridge traces of another black line are visible. The shoulder of the jug is decoratd with a wavy black line (57 mm) running from the base of the neck to the shoulder’s edge. In front of the applied head the line runs straight along the shoulder.

Fig. 79 Detail of the jug, with the female head

The head fixed above the remaining outlines of the spout (fig. 79) is mould-made and measures around 2.9 cm (height) and 2.7 cm (width at the base). During the joining procedure a small surplus of clay was created, especially on the upper back of the head, which gives the impression of a headdress. Yet the IA II female terracotta heads of the same site and area (Tall as-Sa’idiyeh, Deir ’Alla) show that headdresses normally rise from two or more horizontal bands marked across the forehead (cf. Amr 1980: fig. 56.57.59). The long loose hair is parted down the middle and slips behind the ears to the shoulders; no veil and no curled side-locks or plaids (cf. e.g. Tubb 1996: fig. 22) are visible; in order to attach the moulded head to the jug the falling hair was squeezed into two ridges which now support the figurine’s neckless face on either side. The hair was painted in black. As on most of the female figurines from Transjordan the ears are oversized (Dornemann 1983: p. 134) and placed too high. There are no earrings. The inner corners of the eyes are rounded and the eyes’ tails taper off in two parallel lines; the pupils are indicated by dark paint; a narrow ridge depicts the lids. The figurine has a distinctive nose

Fig. 78. ‘Astarte’ jug found at Tell el-Mazar The jug was found on a stone pavement outside the main building 500 of Stratum V (IA IIC, 8th-7th century B.C.). There are no other finds recorded in context with it, but typologically the jug (rim, ridged neck, decanter type, decoration; cf. Amiran 1969: p. 294-299) corresponds to the find spot’s chronology. After restoration, the jug displays a height of 22 cm, a maximum diameter of 13.5 cm and a rim diameter of 4.8 cm. Its body is bag-shaped with a short flat ring-base. The strainer-spout is broken off, but its outline and some perforated holes in the body are still visible. The scars of handle attachment indicate that, to the left, a short loop handle was placed on the upper part of the body; the jug had only one handle. The cylindrical neck shows a ridge on its upper part and ends in a slightly flaring folded rim. The wheel-made jug is a 47

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with quite wide nostrils and a gently curved mouth with full lips. The face is almost perfectly round; the distance between the ears and between chin to hair line is identical. The chin is slightly pointed. Starting from the nose the eyebrows are rendered by a prominent curved line running over the upper eyelid and again downwards to the temple. Traces of paint on IA terracotta figurines are attested also elsewhere in Transjordan (cf. Amr 1980: passim; Van der Kooij/Ibrahim 1989: fig. 126; Daviau 2002: fig. 2.28:1; Herr/Clark 2010: fig. 16), but to date the decorated beer jug from Tell Mazar with the well preserved female head applied is unique. However, the rims of an anthropomorphic juglet and possibly an anthropomorphic chalice have recently been discovered in Tall al-Umayri (Herr/Clark 2010: p. 63-64; D. Clark 2011 pers. comm.). Further close parallels are an anthropomorphic IA II beer jug in the Dayan Collection of the Israel Museum (Ornan 1986: fig. 9) as well as Cypro-Classical jugs/pitchers with a figure sitting or standing on their shoulder (Nielsen 1992: fig. 52-54; Caubet 1998: fig. 691-694; Karageorghis 2000: fig. 167168).

was found on a paved floor at the entrance to a domestic area – may we conclude that it had a function in a domestic cult? In Juda, in the early 6th century B.C., Jer. 7:18, 44:19 refer polemically to family offerings and libations for the “Queen of Heaven” as well as to cakes marked with her image. The connection of cult and image in the case of the Hermes pitcher as well as in Jer. 44 is crucial for the understanding of the Mazar jug. A goddess on a vessel designed to contain a luxury beverage like beer or wine would in the first place have been associated to libation. But who is “she”? For the Iron Age, apart from the Hathor-Isis type “Lady of Byblos” (Cornelius 2008), Ashtart is the only Levantine goddess being clearly identified by name on an inscribed statue; by her gesture, she is shown as a blessing goddess (Bonnet 1996: pl. X). From a historical point of view, one may assume that the idea of blessing connected to the goddess Ashtart was ever-present not only in IA Phoenicia and its colonies as well as in Israel/Juda (Ashtoret < *Ashteret), but also, in its interpretatio ammonitica, in Ancient Ammon. Without distinctive attributes, the Tell Mazar figurine is displayed “just like a woman”; but by context (find spot, beer jug used for libations) she can be regarded as Ashtart/Astarte. Based on what we currently know, a goddess is epigraphically attested in Ancient Ammon not before the second century AD, when the divine Asteria, THEA ACTEPIA – with a star above her head – occurs on Roman coin reverses from PhiladelphiaAmman (Spijkerman 1978: pl. 56-57). It is certainly not by chance that in the late name Asteria the older Ashtart/Astarte can be heard.

Faces of the same mould as the one used for the Tell Mazar jug head have not been found to date. But the hairstyle compares to a mould and a mould fragment found in Tomb F at the Amman Citadel and a mould fragment discovered in Field A in Tall al-Umayri (Dornemann 1983: fig. 88.2; cf. 88.1; Dabrowski 2000: fig. 9.6). Considerations on the character – human or divine – of the woman represented on the Tell Mazar jug are tightly linked to the question of the jug’s function, all the more as no additional signs like a diadem/adornment or another attribute allow a definite classification of the figurine’s status. As being formed independently and then attached to a larger object, the Tell Mazar relief can be compared to protomes attached to model shrines, stands and altars. Moreover, one of the above mentioned figures standing on the shoulder of a Cypriote pitcher represent Hermes who is distinguishable by his kerykeion. Forming part of a local cult (Nielsen 1992: fig. 54), the Hermes pitcher was probably used for libations. The Tell Mazar beer jug

Further studies on the typology, function and identification of the IA II female terracotta figurines found in Jordan will be part of the Franco-German Figurines Project (FGFP). This project initiated by the present author, Regine Hunziker-Rodewald (University of Strasbourg, France), and Astrid Nunn (University of Würzburg, Germany) is scheduled for 2012-2015. Its results will be available as a database and a book.

48

Ammonite and Aramaic inscriptions from Tell el-Mazar Khair Yassine

Javier Teixidor

(this article was published earlier in Yassine 1988: Archaeology of Jordan).

right. As over against the fourth letter, which is a normal yod, especially in third century BC scripts, the first yod is abnormal (for possible parallels see Naveh 1970: fig. 4:2). In contrast to most other personal names in these ostraca, this one consists of a Yahwistic name. Various names with yhb are attested, such as ʾlyhb and qwsyhb, as well as yhbʾl (Zadok 1977:83; Coogan 1976). Hypocoristic forms such as yhybʾ are also frequent. The sign following the name seems to be a large bet, possibly an abbreviations for bt. If the letter had been followed by a “cipher”, which is now obliterated, the inscription would have indicated the capacity of the container. The large horizontal base of bet is attested at Elephantine (Naveh 1970: fig. 4:5), but it is known during later periods as well (Naveh 1970: fig. 9:2 and 5, fourth and third centuries BC). As a whole, the script can be said to be fourth-third century BC.

During four seasons of excavation three inscribed pottery fragments and four ostraca were found within different strata of the tell. Most of these items were eroded, and much of the script had either disappeared or been obliterated. Several of the fragments were found in Stratum III, a level destroyed by fire, while others closer to the surface were affected by exposure to heat and moisture. In addition, natural attrition occurred soon after excavation. For example, a few months after the discovery of Ostracon No. 7, 70% of its script had faded. It had, however, meen photographed within several days of its discovery, and the photograph published here is the best one available. The other examples have not suffered such severe degeneration.

Fig. 80. Inscription no 1 (JUM 142/78) No. 1. JUM (Jordan University Mazar) 142/78 Area H Square A7 locus 7 Stratum 1 Dimensions: Max length 17 cm Max width 22 cm Object: Pottery fragment with handle of a storage jar No. of letters: 6 No. of lines: 1 Locus description: The fragment was found in a silo of the Early Hellenistic period. Silo deposit was also mixed with fifth century BC (Persian) material; however, the ware of the fragments most probably indicates the Early Hellenistic period. The letters read: yhwyhb

Fig. 81. Storage jar with inscription from silo in Stratum I No. 2. JUM 27/78 Area H Square A7 locus 7 Stratum 1 Dimensions: Max length 48 cem. Max width 20 cm. Object: Storage jar (broken at rim); two handles project from the shoulder; rounded rim. Light greenish buff ware. No. of letters: uncertain No. of lines: uncertain Description of locus: The storage jar was found in a silo of the early Hellenistic period of Stratum 1 (fig. 81). During this period the site was used mainly for storage. A great number of silos were dug, some lined with mudbricks. Others were used as pits. A similar storage jar came from Mugharet Abu-Shinjeh in Wadi el-

The enlarged photograph of the text (fig. 80) indicates clearly that the first leter is yod. It is made in two strokes: one horizontal, and a second above it slanting from left to 49

TELL EL-MAZAR Daliyeh. Along with chronological indications from coins and other objects recovered in the clearance, this find provides independent confirmation of a date about 332 BC (Lapp 1970:179-80). The inscription consists of two lines. Only the first word of each line is fully visible (fig. 82). The following reading is proposed: 1. ʿgl bṙ š[ 2. bll yẏn

No. 3. JUM 223/79. Area L Square H3 locus 6, Floor 101 Stratum 3 Dimensions: Max length 5.8 cm Max width 7.7 cm Object: Pottery sherd (ostracon) No. of letters: uncertain No. of lines: 5 Description of locus: the sherd was found with others on the floor of one of the rooms of the building complex of Stratum III. The complex appears to have been totally destroyed by a severe fire indicated in all of its rooms. The complex dates to the early sixth century BC The ostracon (fig. 83) belongs to the first half of the sixth century BC, and dates between the two large Ammonite ostraca from Tell Hesban: A.1 (published as Ostracon IV [Cross 1975] from ca. 600 BC), and A.3 (Cross, in Geraty and Herr 1986) from the 6th century. According to Cross (pers. comm), the script can be termed Ammonite since it evidences features not in the mother Aramaic script. The inscription (recto) consists of five lines of which the first two are incomplete. Words are separated by a word divider: 1. ʾmr plṭ ʾmr lʾḥh lʿbdʾ[l] 2. šlm ʾt wʿt šʿ{r}rt ʾtn 3. lk šʿrt lšbt .kʿr [bn] 4. wʿt t•n lplṭ ʾ[ḥk] 5. [ ] yšb bʾ [ ] The meaning seems to be: “Message of plṭ: he says to his brother, to ʿbdʾ[l], are you well? [I shall give….] to you šʿrt to remain as a ple[dge], and now give to plṭ your bro[ther].” The beginning of the inscription, which seems to be a letter, is a customary one (Dion 1979:554, 575). The last letter of line 1 is almost assuredly an ʾalep, and the name of plṭ’s brother is ʿbdʾ[l]. For ehe expression “are you well?” in line 2, comparison can be made with hšlm ʾ[t] at Kuntillet ʿAjrud: [ʾmr] ʾmryw ʾmr lʾdn[y] hšlm ʾ[t] (Chase 1982:63). A similar expression is found in the Bible: hšlwm ʾth (2 Sam. 20:9). Also in line 2 ʾtn must be ʾettēn, “I shall give”. The crux is šʿrt in line 3, which is quite likely found also in line 2, where the first reš written on a grit, is repeated. šʿrt can hardly be “barley”, which would be šʿrm/ šʿrn, whereas šʿrt would simply be “a grain of barley!” “Shegoat” is more likely, whether this be taken as a feminine personal name or the animal itself. Also possible is “The Se’irite woman”. Following this the inscription seems to read lšbt, or Hebrew lĕšebet. The syntax of the inscription apparently involves the familiar structure of beginning with a casus pendens (not infrequent in letters and inscriptions): “as for šʿrt - I shall give… to you šʿrt to remain,” etc. In the illegible beginning of line 3 we should expect another werb “bring, send”, or the like, linked with w, “and”. Like other Ammonite texts the languate is Canaanite. This is clear from ʾḥh which, if it were Aramaic, would require ʾḥwh or ʾḥwhy.

Fig. 82.Inscription no. 2 ( JUM 27/78) Line 1. The script, notably the ʿayin broken through on the right, can hardly be earlier than the fourth century BC. Hypocoristic names from the root ʿgl are common in South Arabic (ʿgl), Palmyrene (ʿgylʾ, etc), and Hebrew (ʿglh, ʿglyw). The šin of line 1 is fairly clear in the photo of the entire jar, although the only certain form in line 1 seems to be ʿgl. Line 2. The first letter in bll yyn is the characteristic cursive of the fourth century, used in abbreviation of bat, “bath”, followed by a number. yyn is the easiest interpretation of the three strokes following, but this is uncertain. It could also be read as strokes of numerals.

Fig. 83.Inscription no. 3 ( JUM 223/79) recto

50

YASSINE/TEIXIDOR AMMONITE AND ARAMAIC INSCRIPTIONS colour of the sherd to turn black or dark gray, making it impossible to read the script. However, the lowest incribed line appears to read: lẏrḥ.

Fig. 84. Inscription no. 3 (JUM 223/79) verso No. 3b is also inscribed on the interior, but since the inside face was exposed to the heat of the fire that destroyed the level, the writing is hardly visible. The verso of the text (fig. 84) had six lines, but the script is obliterated except for the letters kl at the end of the first line, and the word ʾḥh “his brother”, at the end of line 5. The script of No. 3 fits the sixth century BC. It is the Ammonite derivative of Aramaic, slightly more advanced than the Ammonite script of Ostracon IV from Tell Hesban (Cross 1975).

Fig. 86. Inscription no. 5 (JUM 225/79) No 5. JUM 225/79 Area L Square H3 Locus 6 floor 101 Stratum 3 Dimensions: Max. length 6 cm Max. width 8.3 cm Object: Pottery sherd (ostracon) No. of letters: uncertain No. of lines: uncertain No. 5 is in the same conditions as No. 4. The inscription (fig. 86) is completely obliterated, except that the third line from the bottom imght read ʾl.

Fig. 87. Inscription no. 6 (JUM 36/77)

Fig. 85 Inscription no. 4 (JUM 224/79)

No 6. JUM 36/77 Area Surface Dimensions: Max. length 12 cm Max. width 18 cm. Object: Pottery fragment of storage jar. No. of letters: uncertain (13?) No. of lines: 2 Description of locus: The fragment came from the top surface of the tell. The ware suggests most probably the Early Hellenistic period.

No. 4. JUM 224/79 Area L Square H3 Locus 6, Floor 101 Stratum 3 Dimensions: Max. length 5.5 cm Max. width 7.7 cm Object: Pottery sherd (ostracon) No. of letters: uncertain No. of lines: 3 Three lines of text are visible (fig. 85) but difficult if not impossible to read. The fire of the destruction caused the 51

TELL EL-MAZAR In line 1 (fig. 87) the four letters ʿllt, “gleanings” is clear. The reading of the following four letters presents some difficultires. They could be taken as b[ṣ]yr, “(last) gleaning of vintage” (cf. Mic 7:1, Isa 24:13, etc.). Another possible reading might be ḥmyr, “fermented”, referring to either wine or beer (Cowley 1923:64-65, no. 21:7). At the end of line 1 it is possible that we have ʾp followed by a short and long vertical stroke for “2.” ʾp may be an abbreviation for ephah, and the last two letters in line 1 may be ly, completed in line 2 ʿz: lyʿz.

3. bgʾ 4. gdʿzr ʾlʾmr [ ] 5. ʾwrʾl [ ] ʿ [ ] 6. hṣlʾl ʾ[ ] 7. yhẇydʿ 8. ʿlyʾl ‘?’ [ ] 9. y qm [ʾ]l [ ] The names mlkm and ʾsʾ are well attested. Line 1 is clearly mlkm and traces of two letters, probably –yt, are present. The form kmšyt “may ḳmš come” can be compared. yt would be the iussive of ʾty: yʾt yt (yēt). bgʾ can be explained either as an Arabic (Cantineau 1932:70) or, preferably, Persian name (Stark 1971:74). In line 4 the reading is most certainly gdʿzr “fortune has aided”. The left stroke of ʿayin is clear and the zayin is a typical Transjordanian form. The only uncertain letter is dalet. The line also has a notable space before ʾlʾmr. The name ʾlʾmr has ben read on a seal from Megiddo (Herr 1978:180, no. 19; the seal is listed as probably Phoenician). The most common form of this theophorous name is ʾmrʾl. In line 5 the name ʾwrʾl, “light of ʾl”, is to be compared to biblical ʾwryʾl, “my light is ʾl”, and to Phoenician ʾrmlk, also attested in the Tell Siran inscription (ca 620 BC) as the name of a king of the Ammonites (Cross 1973:15). The Hebrew name hṣlyhw (Hissilyahu) is known from an ostracon at Lachish (Lemaire 1977:94). Line 7 is probably to be read yhẇydʿ. The waw is poorly preserved, but yd is clear, and there also seems to be a trace of an ʿayin. ʿlyʾl in line 8 is also attested in Nabataean, and Stark (1971:105) provides a full discussion of the name and its hypocoristicon in Palmyrene. The reading y qm [ʾ]l in line 9 seems very likely; this theoporous name is a cognate form of yqmyh, attested in the Bible (1 Chr 2:41; 3:18) and three times in the Tell Arad ostraca (Lemaire 1977:206,220). The names in Inscription no. 7 are further evidence of the popularity of ʾl in Transjordan. These names add to what has been known for some time, that ʾl is a popular element in Ammonite names. Indeed Milcom itself (cf line 1) is an ʾl epithet.

Fig. 88. Inscription no. 7 (JUM 222/79) No. 7. JUM 222/79 Area M Square A2 Locus 6. Stratum 1-2 Dimensions: Max. length 8.8 cm Max. width 14.2 cm Object: Pottery sherd (ostracon) No. of letters: uncertain No. of lines: 9 Description of locus: The ostracon came from a mixed deposit of Stratum 1 and 2. Stratum 1 is Early Hellenistic. Stratum 2 is fifth century BC. (Persian). Locus 6 is a broken silo where pottery sherds of Early Hellenistic and Persian were mixed.

Acknowledgment We thank Frank Cross, who read and criticized an earlier draft of the article and who made many valuable comments. He also proposed a number of alternate readings, which have been convincing to us and which have consequently been incorporated, together with his sigla for uncertain or proposed readings. The authors, however, bear full responsibility for the presentation.

The text of nine lines contains a list of personal names (fig. 88). The script is to be dated to the fifth century BC. 1. mlkmyt [ ] 2. ʾsʾ [ ]

52

Ammonite seals from Tell el-Mazar Khair Yassine

(This article was published earlier in Yassine 1988: Archaology of Jordan).

The dead appear to have been buried in their clothes, as is shown by the fibula, and seals in several graves. Male bodies were in extended position whilst female bodies were contracted. Only some of the graves contained seals (stamp and cylinder) of which the first group of seals are discussed. The final report on the excavation of the cemetery is published (Yassine 1984). The seals were placed on the chest of the deceased, or hung from his belt (possibly by a string). The value of the seals found in the cemetery are that they give us important information. Since they were found in situ they are of great significance in the identification of the deceased (possibly his name, or identifying his associates), and also, from the iconographical motif, they place the skeletal remains in their exact stratigraphical context.

A number of seals came from two excavated areas of Tell el-Mazar. The first group were uncovered from the cemetery area. The second group came from the different levels of the excavated mound. The cemetery of Tell el-Mazar is located 220 metres to the north-west of the Tell. During the investigation around the Tell proper and from the exposed section of the covering layers of a small rise, human bones and pottery indicated the existence of burials on this small mound slightly more than 1,220 metres square and one metre high. Since the owner of the land intended to level it with the surrounding land, it was decided to plot this rise into grids (5x5 metres), and to start excavating it. During the three seasons of excavation in the spring of 1977, 1978 and 1979, 78 burials were uncovered. It is clear, that the ground has been reworked and re-levelled since the cemetery was established, as well as partly denuded through the action of rain. All of the graves, with the exception of the cist, appeared to be mere holes dug to various depths in the ground. Some were lined with mudbricks, others were lined on one side only with rough stones. The relative proximity and the disposition of some of the burials suggested family graves.

The second group of seals came from the Tell proper. Some were found in a well-stratified locus, others were not. However, they seemed to belong to the occupants of a very solid structure, possibly a fort, built during the 7/5th century BC, and which was subjected to two major distruction and rebuilding periods. The last destruction took place during the end of the Persian period and the beginning of the Hellenistic . Even though the seals’ iconographical themes have Neo-Babylonian-Persian affinity, the local Ammonite elements are very clear.

53

TELL EL-MAZAR

The kingdom of Ammon emerged in Jordan in the second half of the second millennium BC, in the area between the Zarka river to the north, the Hesban river to the south, the Jordan Valley to the west, and the desert to the east. Ammon’s fortunes depended on the ability of its rulers to exploit the fluctuations in the relative military strength of Assyria, Aram, Judah and Israel. After Ammon’s subjection by Tiglath-Pileser III (732 BC), it became a vassal of Assyria and had to pay tribute, but in return it was allowed a measure of autonomy. Assyrian annals of the year 701 BC, mention Pad’ilu King of Ammon, who swore loyalty to Sennacherib when he set out on his campaign against Judah. Amminadab I, king of the Ammonites, is mentioned in the account of the first campaign of Ashurbanipal, and in 667 BC Assyrian records of the 8th century BC, tell of the growing pressure by the desert tribes on the states along the border, among them Ammon and Moab. Assyria, mindful of international trade, fortified the desert frontier and thus protected the caravan routes. At the beginning of the 6th century BC in the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Ammon became a Babylonian province. The end of the Ammonite Kingdom came about the middle of the 6th century BC, with the fall of the Babylonian empire and the domination of the Persians and their penetration into Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and even Egypt. From the new evidence of the glyptics and other cultural material of Tell Mazar, Ammon seems to have been allowed a measure of autonomy in the Persian Period. Two inscribed seals bearing Ammonite names were uncovered from the cemetery. The transcription, vocalization, and translation are published in Yassine 1984:132 ff.

was especially frequent in the reign of Darius II (424-404 BC) (Legrain 1925:nos 869 ff.)1. A seal impression on a tablet in the Louvre shows the same motif with three bull’s heads (Delaporte 1923, A799. Plate 121, 4d ). It is likely that the seal under discussion was made under the influence of the designs documented first in Babylonia during the Achaemenid period. Earlier in the first half of the second millennium BC, the motif of protomes of griffins arranged about a circle with a dot in the centre was prodced at Acemhuyuk in Anatolia (E. Porada, remarks brought to the attention of the writer), goat heads similarly arranged appeared at the same time on seals in Bahrain (Porada 1971 Pl. X:8,9). Intermediary stages of this distinctive design may yet be found. This seal may be of importance, because whilst it was obviously made during the period of the Achaemenid style, it does not show the typical Achaemenid motif monsters in Persian costume. Perhaps this gives some indication for non-Persian people buried in the graves.

Fig. 90. JUM 202 No. 202. Area A Square E6 Locus Burial 1 Diameter at base: 15 mm Height: 22 mm Material: Agate Shape: conical with rounded top, perforated concave base. Subject: the base shows criss-cross lines. They make no sense nor represent any such known motif. The crisscross design is also found executed on a duck-shaped amulet, privately owned (Lambert 1966: no 67 Louvre ID 75-76, IIA 639). It is found on stamp seals, scaraboids and cylinder seals from Babylon (Koldewey 1911:47, Blatt 9, Abb. 80). The seal was found on the chest of burial no. 1, side by side with a small glass bottle dated to the middle 5th century BC. The design might indicate the attempt of a local engraver to produce a motif, which failed. However, his attempt produced a satisfactory mark used by the holder.

Fig. 89. JUM 201 No. 201. Area A, Square D6 Locus Burial 6 Diameter at base: 17 mm. Height: 21 mm Material: Brown-pink marble Shape: conical, perforated, concave at base Subject: It has the foreparts of a winged bull, winged mountain goat, and winged lion, disposed as in wheel, about a circle with a dot in the centre. The motif first appeared in seal impressions from Nippur, late in the reign of Artaxerxes I (465/4-425/4 BC), and

1

Special thanks to Professor E. Porada for her valuable comments and remarks presented to the writer

54

AMMONITE SEALS Shape: Cylinder seal with copper pendant ring through the middle hole riveted into a copper disc at the other end. Subject: It shows a rider on a galopping horse aiming his bow to shoot a gazelle whose foreleg is being bitten by a dog. The rider’s headgear and criss-crossed trousers correspond to the attire of two Scythians on a cylinder seal (now lost) reproduced by W.H. Ward (Ward 1910: no 1052). In Ward’s lost cylinder seal the Scythian defends himself with the typical weapon of his tribes, a pointed axe, but he is being slain by a Persian. The person is characterized by his costume as belonging to a group fought by the Persians and shown here as a huntsman of the scene, a dominant role which implies that the personage is meant to be shown as a leader. In its free composition the natural form of human and animal figures, the cylinder corresponds to the Achaemenid style of the 5th century BC but there are some differences: the Persian hunter usually threatens his prey with a spear; if he uses a bow, it is a larger one than the one held by the rider in the present cylinder. Furthermore the horse has a curious horn. This horn reminds us of the stag antlers placed on the heads of horses’ graves in the Altai (E. Porada, remarks ). In addition there is a criss-cross pattern drawn over the head and neck of the horse, which suggests horse armour, unparallelled in other representations. The gazelle is rendered very stiffly and the dog biting its foreleg is unparallelled in Achaemenid seals. It is obvious then that the cylinder was not carved by a craftsman trained to produce the current Persian theme. Instead, it appears that the cylinder, which seems so specific in the attire of the mounted hunter, was especially made for the seal owner who is likely to have had himself represented as that hunter. One may be reminded here of the representation of hunts in a tomb of the slightly later period on the Black Sea coast (Rostovtzeff 1931-32:202-222).

Fig. 91. JUM 203 No. 203. Area A Square D6/S2 Locus Burial 7 Length: 25 mm Width: 12 mm Height: 18 mm Material: Agate Shape: Duck-shaped amulet, modelled at the base Subject: A bird executed in a stylistic way. The duck shape is one traditionally used for weights, but usually the pattern is on the base and on other similar pieces is parallelled by stamps of conoid or scaraboid shape (Lambert 1966:80). The seal with a Neo-Babylonian feature in its shape is rather different in its representation. On the base it represents a bird executed in a stylistic way instead of the nude winged female or winged male figure, heavenly bodies (E. Porada, remarks), or criss-crossed line (Lambert 1966:80, no. 67). This might indicate that the design of the bird was added elsewhere, although it was probably produced by mechanical tools which were in use in Babylonia as well as elsewhere at that time. There is a duck-shaped seal of unknown provenance divided in two registers by a double line bearing the Ammonite name ʾA Marʾel son of Yenahʾm instead of the bird design, dated to the 7th century BC (Hestrin and Dayagi-Mendels 1979:131, no. 104).

Fig. 93. JUM 205 No. 205. Area A Square D6 Locus burial 7 Length: 18 mm Width: 13 mm Height: 22 mm Material: translucent agate, milky blue Shape: cone-like on top with flat sides with bevelled edges, octagonal concave base

Fig. 92. JUM 204 No. 204 Area A Square E6 Locus burial 7 Length: 26 mm Diameter: 15 mm Material: Translucent chalcedony, milky blue

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Subject: It shows a Neo-Babylonian worshipper before a symbol: the lamp of Nusku on a stand with bulls’ feet, shaft decorated by bulls, separating at the top into three prongs which support a horizontal plaque over which the lamp is placed on still another, probably vertical, support. Along both sides of the human and the shaft, the seal is inscribed (for the transcripion, vocalization and translation of No. 205 and 206, see Yassine 1984:132 ff). More detailed representations of the same subject are seen on Neo-Babylonian stamp seals in the Bibliotheque Nationale (Delaporte 1910: Pl. XXXVI: 56A, 567, 568). The earliest dated example of a stamp seal with such a lamp stand is in an impression on a tablet Year 16 of Darius I (Delaporte 1923: Pl. 120: 5a, A.797). It is more than likely, however, that such stamp seals had been made throughout the 6th century BC in Babylonia. The Ammonite inscription on the Neo-Babylonian stamp was probably seocndary though there seems to have been more space behind the worshipper than is often seen on stamps of this type which tended to have a more slender shape. A close resemblance to this seal was found in Amman Citadel. Instead of the Ammonite script, this seal has two cuneiform letters of Neo-Babylonian characters (Dajani 1962:124).

Second group

Fig. 95. JUM 301 No. 301. Area G Square F7 Locus 5 Length: 25 mm Material: Brown marble Shape: cone with flat sides with bevelled edges and square base, perforated Subject: A cult scene showing two worshippers, and in between a stylus and spade. The right worshipper has a beard, he raises his open palms upward. The left worshipper does not have a beard, whilst his palms are raised open downward following the Mesopotamian custom. It looks as if the right worshipper is asking for a blessing, whilt the left one is giving it. Above the worshippers there is a star, a crescent, and a winged sundisk. The principal subject of the modelled-style stamp, a worshipper before an altar supporting symbols, also occurs in a coarse drilling technique, and all of these were executed in a Neo-Babylonian style (Porada 1947:99. Also Barker 1962:38 fig 6). A few seals of this type have been found in Ammon and Moab, some bearing Ammonite and Moabite names. One rom Moab dated to the 8th-7th centuries BC has been found (Hestrin and Dayagi-Mendels 1979:16). In addition there is an Ammonite seal of unknown provenance with two worshippers raising their arms in prayer. The seal is inscribed as belonging to Ezra (Hestrin and DayagiMendels 1979:124). For other seals (similar, but not exact) we can recall the Moabite seal of Amos the Scribe (Hestrin and Dayagi-Mendels 1979 seal no. 16), the seal of HKs (Seal no K1830 in the Bibliotheque National (Avigad 1978:68, fig. 5) and also that of MS NSPR (Galling 1941:140, no 122). Even though these seals can be related to the Neo-Babylonian stamp seals, where the subject had been executed with careful modelling dated to the 6th and 5th centuries BC, it is possible that some were made in Jordan, especially those which were inscribed with Moabite or Ammonite names.

Fig. 94. JUM 206 No. 206. Area A Square D6 Locus Burial 33 Length: 15,6 mm Width 9.6 x 12.3 mm Material: Lapis lazuli Shape: Scaraboid, perforated, hung on a silver band Subject: Iconographical motif separating the upper inscribed line from the lower one (For inscription, see above). The motif is a design of a representation of two eyes, and in between, a nose. This representation seems to be a local one, mothing like it has been found outside jordan and Palestine. A similar one was found in Palestine at Arad (Aharoni 1967:71).

No. 302 Area G Square F7 Locus 1 Height: 20 mm Diameter: 22 mm Material: Brown-pink marble Shape: Conical, concaved at base, perforataed. 56

AMMONITE SEALS Bliss and Macalister 1902:153, Pl. LXXXIII, cylinder no. 3). The Egyptian influence is clear in the lotus tree and the mythical figure of the falcons.

Fig. 96. JUM 302

Subject: Two animals flanking a hero with two other minor motifs, a leafy branch and a lotus flower. The human (hero) figure has a long beard and wears a short kilt above the knee. A similar seal was found in Jaffa (Galling 1941:197, no 169). The leafy branch in front of a longhorn stag found on a stamp seal from Rabbath-Moab made Kenna suggest that it represents a woody area (Kenna 1973:79 n 1). We see in this seal the Mesopotamian tradition with its rigidly symmetrical and centralized composition. This one can be classified as Achaemenian because of its motif of two animals flanking a hero2. However, the Achaemenian hero wears a long dress. In this case the middle figure could represent the local king grasping two animals.

Fig. 98. JUM 304 No. 304 Area L Square F2 Locus 2b Length: 23 mm Diameter: 12 mm Material: Green Jasper Shape: cylinder seal, perforated Subject: Ankh sign between long-legged winged griffins. There is a sun disc motif above the griffins. The griffins wear aprons. The motif is executed in a linear style. The cylinder seems to be of a Neo-Assyrian style; the subject most frequently encountered in the context scenes of linear-style seals (Porada 1948:73). The Egyptian influence is obvious in the griffin wearing an apron (Loud 1948:67; Flinders Petrie 1930:10). Winged griffin motifs were also shown on Phoenician seals (Hestrin and Dayagi-Mendels 1979:153-55). Cylinder seals of mixed style, showing Egyptian elements with Neo-Assyrian style, have been characterized by Frankfort as Palestinian cylinders3.

Fig. 97. JUM 303 No. 303. Area L Sqauare E1 Locus 4 Length: 22 mm Diameter: 12 mm Material: Jasper Shape: Cylinder seal, perforated Subject: a scene showing two falcon-headed solar deities in human form and in between a stylistic tree. Behind each falcon there is a lotus flower. Each falcon is wearing a tunic and holding a sword pointed downwards. A star is executed under the right arm of the right falcon and a group of dots was drilled under the left arm of the left falcon. The scene is symmetrical except for the star and the dots. A similar cylinder seal was found at Tell es-Safi in Palestine, dated to the XVIIth Dynasty (Rowe 1936:249;

The importance of this seal is that it was found inside a mudbrick wall (Area L, Square F2, Locus 2b), belonging to a major structure of the Neo-Assyrian period. Apparently the seal antedates the structure. The question is: did the seal fall whilst the wall was being made, or was it put there on purpose as an act of dedication?

No. 305 Area Q Square B1 Locus 20 Length: 21 mm Width: 15 mm Height: 25 mm

2

For a similar theme, see Moortgat 1940 Pl. 86, no 738, 639,740. Also Eisen 1940 Pl. XI 101

3

57

See for a similar one Seal No. 1004 published by E. Porada, 1948:73

TELL EL-MAZAR

Subject: Animal figure and possibly bird on its back in archaic style. This subject is known in Palestine where a representation of a lion jumping on an ibex dates to the XXth Dynasty of Egypt (Rowe 1936:261). Stamps of similar theme were discovered at Beitin (Rowe 1936:261 [S92]) and ones from Beth-Pelet (Pl XXX nos. 256, 257 tomb no. 880) date to the XIX-XXIst Dynasty (Rowe 1936:257 [S76]). Some show a bull with at scorpion above (Flinders Petrie 1930:10, Pl. XXX nos. 256-257).

Fig. 99. JUM 305 Material: limestone Shape: Pyramidal, perforated, stamp seal, crudely made Subject: conventional tree above which is a Seth-like animal with wings. This typr of stamp seal is found in Palestine dated to the XXth Dynasty (Rowe 1936:227 [SO 37]). The tree motif was used in the Mitanni common style in the Late Bronze Age (Ward 1966:15, Pl. XXIC No. J9398, J9399). The tree depiction on seals goes back to a much earlier date in Syria and Palestine. On seal impressions found in northern Jordan by Mittmann, a stylized tree is a common motif (Mittmann 1974:1-13, Tafel 1C,D,E; Ben-Tor 1975:17-21). This seal (No 305) was found in a silo of mixed pottery but stratigraphically the silo dates back to the end of the Iron Age I. It is possible that the stylized tree came in use in the Iron Age I in Palestine and Jordan. Similar stamp seals bearing the same stylized tree were found at Shiqmona in the Iron Age I level (Elgavish 1977:166, pl. 22B ).

Fig. 101. JUM 307 No. 307 From surface of the eastern slope Length: 14 mm Width (in the middle of the scarab): 12 mm Height: 8 mm Material: hard limestone Shape: Scaraboid Subject: Two walking bovine animals in two registers corresponds in the stylization of the animals to seals excavated in Palestine belonging to the 7th-5th centuries BC 4 . The small disc in the crescent in the upper field looks distinctly Phoenician. The Ammonites had used this motif in their scaraboid seals side by side with their inscribed names. There is an example of one scaraboid seal divided into three registers by two double lines. In the middle register a running bull framed by a lotus flower. The owner was Shu’al son of Elisha (Hestrin and Dayagi-Mendels 1979:135, no. 108). The use of the iconographical theme and the Ammonite name would possibly indicate that the people were Ammonite, as seen in Seal nos. 205 and 206.

Fig. 100. JUM 306 No. 306 Area L Square G3 Locus 1 Length: 23 mm Width: 20 mm Height: 31 mm Material: limestone Shape: pyramidal, deeply incised

4

58

See pl. 17 in ZDPV 51 (1928).

Weaving at Tell Mazar: The loomweights Jeannette H. Boertien

It was possible to distinguish 14 separate large (>10) 3 groups of loomweights, each belonging to one loom4. The 14 large groups represent 71.8 % (390) of all the excavated loomweights of Tell Mazar5.

Introduction In the ancient Levant actual textiles are rarely found, due to adverse soil and climatic conditions, but some artifacts tell the story of textile production. The most important of these are loomweights, used to stretch the warp threads of the hanging vertical loom. These weights were made of stone or clay and are left in the archaeological record. The warp weighted loom can be traced through the recovery of loomweights, usually the only element of the loom that survives. Although loomweights are found on most sites, they are badly published, if at all, and therefore a comparative study has so far been impossible1 . The collection of Tell Mazar is the first to show how the development of the loomweight over time east of the river Jordan from the Iron Age IIB until the Early Hellenistic Period.

Typology (Table I,II) Typologies of loomweights are usually based on a typology designed for beads (Beck 1928), rather than on technological criteria. A typology based on technical criteria differs from a classification based on shape description in that it explains the differences in shape, rather than only describing them (Van As 1984:144). Based on the perforation loomweights are usually divided into two main groups. Pendant weights, with a perforation in the upper part of the weight, were perforated holding the loomweight horizontally. The second group shows the perforation in the centre of the weight. The different shapes of loomweights can be explained by the production method, which simplifies the typology and makes it more relevant (Boertien 2009a).

Levantine loomweights Levantine loomweights are usually made of clay. Their weight and shape vary over the ages. In the Bronze Age loomweights are conical, dome or cigar shaped and intentionally fired. During the Iron Ages the number of loomweights increases and they are made of unfired local clay, although clay loomweights were often incidentally fired in conflagrations. The pre-dominant group in this period is the donut-shaped loomweight. In the Persian period loomweights are slightly pyramidal or oval, while donut-shaped weights are not found any more. During the Hellenistic period the weights become smaller and lighter, the shape changes to pyramidal, rectangular or spherical and they are lightly fired. The weight of a loomweight is important for the weft, but the shape is of less importance to the weaving process2. The shape seems to be based on tradition and not on the functioning of the loom (Boertien 2004:323).

TABLE I. Loomweights by type (n=543) Type Number Percentage

The loomweights from Tell Mazar The storage at the University of Jordan housed 550 loomweights from Tell Mazar, although it is clear from the artifact-lists that the number of excavated loomweights must have been larger. The 550 stored loomweights were impregnated and well preserved. 543 loomweights could be studied.

3

Anchor

117

21,6 %

Conical

30

5,5 %

Cylindrical

31

5,7 %

Donut

146 (23 large)

27 %

Mixed type

49

9%

Pyramidal

33

6%

Spherical

112

20,6 %

Square

15

2,8 %

Wheel

10

1,8 %

Total

543

100 %

The number of 10 weights in a large group is based on the fact that this number makes weaving on a warp weighted loom still possible (Boertien 2004: 313 note 4). When using less than 10 weights the cloth will be too narrow (less than 20 cm). This would not be worth all the work of warping the loom and having it occupy space. If such a narrow piece of fabric would be wanted other weaving methods would be chosen (Boertien forthcoming) 4 In this article ‘loom’ refers to a group of loomweights representing one loom. 5 The average weight of a loomweight from Tell Mazar is 362 g. The average number of loomweights in a group, taken over all Strata, is 31, with an average total weight for the group of 16.066g

1

Publications include Sa’idiyeh (Pritchard 1985); Khirbat al-Mudaybe (Wade and Mattingly 2003); Jawa (Daviau 2002:191-201); Deir Alla (Boertien 2004); Abu el-Kharaz (Fisher 2008; Rinner 2009). 2 The thickness of a loomweight can influence the space between the warp threads (Andersson Strand 2010).

59

TELL EL-MAZAR The following types have been discerned (Table I).

Pyramidal loomweight (small square base) (fig 102c) Characteristics: Pyramidal body with a square base and a rounded top. Diameter hole less than 1 cm.

Horizontally perforated loomweights (pendants) Conical loomweight (fig. 102a) Characteristics: Conical body with a circular or elliptical base. Diameter of the hole is variable.

Anchor shaped loomweight (fig 102d) Characteristics: height exceeds diameter, body and base elliptical with rounded top with flat ends. Perforation diameter is variable.

Pyramidal loomweight (round base) (fig 102b) Characteristics: Pyramid shaped body with a circular base; measurements differ. Diameter of the hole is variable.

Square loomweight (small) (fig 102e) Characteristics: Small loomweight with a flattened top and a square base. Diameter hole less than 1 cm.

Fig. 102. Types of loomweights found at Tell Mazar 60

BOERTIEN: WEAVING AT TELL MAZAR: THE LOOMWEIGHTS The Warp-weighted loom

The warp-weighted loom (fig.103a,b) consisted of two vertical wooden poles linked at the top by a horizontal beam from which the warp threads were hanging, stretched by the weights. The strands could be lengthened, thus enabling pieces of cloth to be woven that were far longer than the height of the loom. The work progressed from top to bottom, the cloth being rolled around the upper beam (Barber 1991:106; Cecchini 2000:212). Each loomweight was fastened to a bunch of warp threads using a loop in between. The extra warp could be rolled up or looped and tied. One could even wind it around the loomweights (Hoffmann 1974:65-66 and 72, fig.32; Barber 1991:106). The possibility of rolling up the finished cloth and the easy way the warp could be lengthened made the warp-weighted loom very popular. No tools or benches were needed to make a long piece of textile, while patterns could easily be woven into the flexible weft, which made it much more practical than the fixed vertical loom known from Egypt. The warp-weighted loom was an innovation in textile production that started in the Neolithic in Middle Europe. From there it spread to the northwest and south. Via Greece, Anatolia and Cyprus it came to the Levant (Boertien 2009b). Here it was used from the Bronze Age till the end of the 1st century BC. Nowadays, warp-weighted looms are not used anymore. For the reconstruction of functioning of the loomweights we depend on documentation from 20th century Scandinavia, where the warp-weighted loom was still in use until about 1950 (Hald 1946 and 1980, Hoffmann 1974, Bender Jørgensen 1996, Raeder Knudsen 1998). Fig. 103b. diagram of the functioning of the warp-weighted loom

61

TELL EL-MAZAR TABLE II. Number and type of loomweights within the different strata (n=543) VI V III II I 0 Str. n=5 n= n= n= n= n= 56 180 179 82 41 Type Anchor 0 0 45 71 1 0 (n=117) Conical (n=30) Cylindrical (n= 31) Donut (n=146) Mixed type (n=49) Pyramidal (n=33) Spherical (n=112) Square (n=15) Wheel (n=10) Av. weight (g)

Fig. 104. Anchor-shaped loomweights Centrally perforated loomweights Donut loomweight (fig 102f, 102g) The regular donut shaped loom weight has a width < 9 cm, while the difference between width and height is > 1cm. The weights are made by winding a piece of clay around the finger. Donut shaped loom weights with a flat base and the so-called bi-conical weights also belong to this group. A separate group are the large donut shaped weights with a width > 9 cm. They are shaped on a flat surface causing one more or less flat side, and perforated with a stick (Boertien 2009a). The perforation diameter in both the regular and the large donut shaped loomweights.is usually 1-2 cm Early Hellenistic period donut loomweights are < 4 cm in diameter with a perforation diameter < 1 cm.

1

0

25

2

2

0

0

1

18

3

0

9

2

21

54

28

9

32

0

0

22

1

26

0

0

0

0

24

9

0

2

33

7

35

35

0

0

0

0

15

0

0

0

1

9

0

0

0

287

132

547

106

40

Tell Mazar 18 weights (14 in group 2) were found that were a hybrid of a spherical and a cylindrical loomweight, and three hybrids of a wheel shaped and a cylindrical loomweight. These are the result of the production process, the weights are being shaped as a donut or a spherical weight, but when still wet, are rolled on a hard and flat surface causing a flattening of the original shape (Boertien 2004:313-314, 327; 2009a:37).

Wheel shaped loomweight (fig 102h) Characteristics: Width more than 1 cm wider than height, flat ends. Often over 9 cm in diameter; perforation diameter over 1 cm.

Material: Clay, gypsum and stone loomweights Clay loomweights Most of the loomweights of Tell Mazar are made of unfired clay. The clay used is local, probably the banded clay from the Lisan/Damiya formation which was also used for the Tell Deir ‘Alla loomweights (Boertien 2009 b)6. Groot (2007:100) defined three types of fabric. Type 1 and 3 can be found in the loomweights. Fabric type 1 is used in 5 of the 14 groups of loomweights. It is characterized by a high percentage of non-plastics, such as quartz sands, mudstone and a high amount of fiber. The other 9 groups are made of fabric type 3, characterized by small particles of lime and some mudstone; this might indicate a better levigation or deliberate choice of Damiya clay. Loomweights made with this fine yellow, orange or grey clay are smooth, and because they are not brittle, most of them are shards, bones, shell fragments, basalt undamaged. Some loomweights show different and unusual temper, such as re-used pottery or flint.

Spherical loomweight (fig 102i) Width and height vary no more than 1 cm. Iron Age over 5 cm in diameter Small spherical loomweights are under 4 cm and characteristic for Early Hellenistic period. (Page 5-6). Cylindrical loomweight (fig 102j) Characteristics: width and height vary no more than 1 cm, flat ends.

Fig. 105. Centrally perforated loomweights

6

Damiya/Lisan formation clay (Groot 2007) is the same clay that Kalsbeek 1969:73-80; Franken 1992:105-114, and Van der Kooij and Ibrahim (1989) called banded Lisan clay.

62

BOERTIEN: WEAVING AT TELL MAZAR: THE LOOMWEIGHTS Gypsum loomweights Gypsum loomweights have been found in Stratum II and III. They can be divided into two groups: six loomweights are made only of gypsum; four loomweights, all from Stratum II, are made of a mixture of gypsum and clay. Both groups are donut or spherical in shape. The clay is yellowish with iron oxide particles. The weight of the clay and gypsum mixture loomweights is about the same as that of the regular clay loomweights. The gypsum loomweights are large but light in weight. Gypsum loomweights have been found in IA IIA contexts on different sites in the Beth Shean Valley (Tel elHammah: Cahill, Tarler and Lipowitz 1989:36; Tel Rehov and Tel ‘Amal: Mazar 2006:482; Tel Beth-Shean: Mazar 2006:482-483 with comments by Shamir). They are conical in shape and horizontally perforated. Orit Shamir suggests that they were sold in the local regional market, because the gypsum came from a wellknown local source. The Mazar weights are later (IA IIb and c) and probably made at one of the local gypsum deposits, for example at Abu Ruweis in the river Zerka Basin, not far from Tell Mazar (Muneizel and Khalil 1993; Makhlouf and El-Hadad 2006: 373).

Groups of loomweights representing a loom The average weight of all the loomweights differs significantly per phase (Table II, fig. 108 and see discussion below), but there is a tendency for smaller, lighter weights in the later phases. The introduction of the two heavy types, the anchor shaped loomweight and the wheel-shaped loomweight in stratum III partly accounts for the increase in average weight. In the Persian Period (Stratum II) lighter loomweights are introduced: the pyramidal and the small spherical loomweight. The anchor and donut shaped loomweights are still in use as well. The Early Hellenistic period (Stratum I) sees the introduction of small, almost miniature loomweights. The types are mainly donut, pyramidal and spherical with a small perforation diameter. The small and light weights, with their tiny holes of less than 0.5 cm, suggest a different technique of weaving or a difference in the material used on the warp weighted loom. weight distribution per group 1200

1000

800

600

Fig. 106. Stone and clay loomweight (GE7/22) Limestone One limestone loomweight was found in Stratum II, together with a clay loomweight (fig. 106). The limestone weight is donut shaped. The diameter is 12,1 cm, the height is 5,1 cm and the perforation is 2,5 cm. It weighed 824 g.

400

200

0 0

Alabaster One alabaster loomweight (Fig. 107) was conical with a round base. Measurements: Width 3-5,5 cm, height 8 cm, perforation 0,8 cm, weight 220g. Provenance uncertain, but probably Stratum I. It is possible that this was not a loomweight at all, but a perforated weight or ornament.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Fig. 108. Weight of loomweights per group

Stratum V Group 1 (locus LE1/19)) Room 503 (Locus LE1/19) contained a large group of associated loomweights, assumed to belong to one loom (fig. 109). The group consisted of 56 loomweights. The weight of the loomweights ranges from 74 to 382 g (fig. 108), the average weight of the loomweights is 132 g, the average diameter is 5,5 cm and the perforation diameter is 1,4 cm. All the weights are made of not well selected clay, fabric type 1.

Fig. 107. Alabaster loomweight 63

TELL EL-MAZAR The loomweights were found in the southeast corner of room 503 (fig. 110). In this room a so called ‘bathtub’ has also been found (fig. 127). It has been suggested (Mazow, pers. comm) that these ‘bathtubs’ had a function in the textile production (see below). On the pictures of this area (Yassine 1988:91; Pls.VII:1, VIII:2, IX:1) the loomweights seem to form three or more lines. If more than two lines of loomweights are found this indicates that more than two layers of warp threads were used on the loom, which is evidence of pattern weaving (Vogelsang-Eastwood 1989: 9-60; Anderson Strand 2010:15).

Fig. 109. Group 1 TABLE III. Group 1. Type Number Cylindrical 1 Donut 21 Spherical 33 Wheel small 1 Total 56

Stratum III Stratum III yielded seven groups of loomweights (Fig 108, 111). Group 2 (locus GE7/5 and 17) In room 318, in the northwest corner 26 loomweights were found embedded in roof rubble. This suggests that the loom stood on the roof of the building. The group consists of large and heavy loomweights (fig. 108, 111). The total weight of all the loomweights together is 21089 g, the average weight is 811 g and the average diameter is 7,4 cm with an average perforation diameter of 1,3 cm. All the weights were made of orange clay of fabric type 1. The high weight of the loomweights indicates that a kind of vegetable yarn (linen or perhaps hemp) was woven on this loom9.

The weights of Group 1 are representative of the range of loomweights used in the Iron Age. Donut and spherical loomweights dominate (table III). But the average weight of this group, 135g, is relatively low. Usually the (average) weight of IA loomweights is between 100 and 300 g in the hill country and in the Jordan Valley they vary from 300-5007. The small wheel shaped loomweight is the only known example from the Southern Levant. In stratum III and at Tell Deir ‘Alla wheel shaped loomweights are always over 400 g. 8 The low overall weight suggests that wool was woven on this particular loom.

Fig. 111. Group 2 (GE7/5 and 17) TABLE III. Group 2 Type Number Mixed 15 (cylindrical/spherical) Donut 9 Spherical 2 Total 26

Fig. 110. Topplan Stratum V with loomweight group 1

The looms of group 3 and 4 may have stood on the roof of the same building as the loom of Group 2. Two groups of loomweights were found in a layer of burnt red

7

Within group number 1 no heavy loomweights (over 400 g) have been registered, making it different from the loomweights in Stratum III (see below). 8 Apparently the small wheel shaped loomweight of 90 g. was used as a small donut shaped weight, their shape (especially their thickness, which is important for spacing the warp threads evenly) is very much the same.

9

The different kinds of material used for spinning and weaving in IA Levant are described in Boertien forthcoming.

64

BOERTIEN: WEAVING AT TELL MAZAR: THE LOOMWEIGHTS mudbricks and roof rubble in the northeastern part of the square.

TABLE V. Group 4 Type Number Anchor 1 Cylindrical 7 Donut 14 (5 large) Spherical 1 Mixed type 4 (sph/cylindrical) Total 27

Group 3 (GE8/14 group I) This group consisted of 21 loomweights with a total weight of 6.704 g (fig. 108, 112). Average weight is 335 g, average diameter 6,8 cm, average perforation diameter 1,8 cm. This is an interesting group because four of the loomweights (two anchor-shaped and two donut-shaped) are very heavy while the others are homogeneous in weight and shape. The heavy weights average 631g and the smaller loomweights have an average weight of 230 g. All the weights were made of clay, fabric type 1. All of the loomweights were fired in the destruction of the stratum.

This group consisted of 27 loomweights with a total weight of 10.072 g Fig. 108, 113). Average weight 387 g, average diameter 7,6 cm, average perforation diameter 1,8 cm. This group is again very diverse in weight but also in shape. Six large weights, five large donut weights and one anchor shaped weight, have an average weight of 614 g. Most weights were made of well-mixed yellow clay, fabric type 3, but two of the donut shaped weights were made of a mixture of gypsum and clay tempered with very much organic material, resulting in a brittle and light loomweight. (see above). All loomweights were fired in the destruction.

Group 5 (locus GH8/10) . The 19 loomweights of this group were found in the Northeastern corner of the square together with much pottery and mudbrick roof material. Apparently the loom stood on the roof in the northwest corner of the building, close to HA8, possibly even on the same roof.

Fig. 112. Group 3 (GE8/14 group I)

TABLE IV. Group 3 Type Number Anchor 3 Cylindrical 3 Donut 15 (2 large) Total 21

TABLE VI. Group 5 Type Number Anchor 6 Anchor/dome 2 Anchor/con 1 Con/ round base 3 Con/oval base 2 Cylindrical 3 Donut 2 Total 19

Group 4. (GE8/14 group II)

Total weight is 10683 g, the average weight is 562 g while the average diameter is 5.9 cm, the average perforation diameter is 1.7 cm. The loomweights were made of clay fabric type 3. Two domed-anchor shaped weights are extremely large and heavy: 2015 g and 2300 g10 respectively (Fig. 114). Two more large anchorshaped weights were 820 g and 808 g (Fig. 115). The remaining 15 weights in the group have an average weight of 469 g (fig. 108). Cone or domed/anchor shaped loomweights weighing over 2000 g have been recorded at Tell Mazar and Beth Shean (Mazar 2006:478, fig 13.16). Conical and donut shaped ones have been found in Deir ‘Alla phase IX (Boertien 2004: 322, fig.11). Because in Deir ‘Alla and Mazar it the heavy weights were found in context with lighter loomweights, it is clear that they were used together on the same loom. It is a rare phenomenon for

Fig. 113. Group 4 (GE8/14 group II)

10

65

The two very large loomweights are not included in fig. 108.

TELL EL-MAZAR This is a remarkable group of heavy loomweights of different type, illustrating how different types of loomweights were used together with the hybrid loomweights (categorized in the typology as mixed type) within one set on a loom. The weights were made of yellow to orange selected and well-mixed clay, fabric type 3. The loomweights were fired in the destruction.

which we have at present no explanation (Boertien 2004: 322).

TABLE VII. Group 6 Type Number Anchor 6 Conical 1 Con/domed 1 Con – oval bottom 3 Con – anchor-like 2 Donut 3 Mixed type don/cyl 1 Mixed type don/sph 1 Mixed type wheel/cyl 1 Wheel 3 Total 22

Fig. 114. Giant loomweight from Group 5

Group 7. (GH8/11) The 13 loomweights of Loom 7 were found in the corridor in front of rooms 305 and 306, together with much pottery and a pot stand. The total weight is 5580g. The average weight is 507 g, average diameter 7.2 cm and average perforation diameter is 1.7 cm. There are 4 heavy loomweights within this group; two conical ones with a round base weighing respectively 598 and 608 g; a wheel shaped weight of 770 g and an anchor shaped weight of 756 g. The 9 other weights have an average weight of 316 g (fig. 108,117). All loomweights were made of clay fabric type 3. All of the loom-weights from this locus were fired in the destruction.

Fig. 115. Large loomweights from Group 5

Group 6. (HA8/22, room 312) A group of 22 loomweights was found together with much pottery, a horse figurine, part of a bronze bracelet and an iron ring in the layer that covered the floor of room 312, possibly the roof collapse, so the loom may have stood on the roof of the building. The total weight is 10.952 g. The average weight is 498 g, the average diameter is 6.3 cm and the average perforation diameter is 1.7 cm (fig. 108,116).

Fig. 117. Group 7 (GH8/11)

TABLE VIII. Group 8. Type Number Anchor 1 Donut 4 Conical/round base 2 Spherical 5 Wheel 1 Total 13

Fig. 116. Group 6 (HA8/22).

66

BOERTIEN: WEAVING AT TELL MAZAR: THE LOOMWEIGHTS Group 8. (HA7/ 4) storage room 313b In locus HA7/4 20 loomweights were found. Eight of these (fig.17 left) are relatively large, anchor shaped weights made of grey clay, fabric type 1. The surface of these weights shows a brownish scum. The total weight is 3906 g (two damaged) the average weight is 488 g, theaverage perforation is 1.4 cm and the average height of this set is 10 cm. In the same room ten smaller loomweights with tiny perforations were found (fig. 118). These loomweights are small and fine, made of wellmixed grey clay, fabric type 3, They do not show the brownish scum of the heavier anchor shaped weights. The weights were fired in the destruction. The total weight of the ten weights is 837 g (one weight was damaged). The average weight is 93 g (fig. 108), the average height is 4 cm, and the average perforation diameter is 0,5 cm. These weights are different in size, weights and perforation and made of a different kind of clay suggesting that they may have belonged to a separate loom.

small donut shaped loomweights. The loomweights from Stratum III are heavier than those of the preceding and succeeding strata.

Fig. 119. Topplan Stratum III with loomweight groups plotted.

Stratum II Four large groups of loomweights have been excavated in this stratum. Fig. 118. Group 8 (locus HA7/4) TABLE IX. Group 8 Group 8a Group 8b Type Number Type Anchor 8 Anchor small large Conical small Donut Pyramidal/square Spherical small Total 8 Total

Group 9 (GG7/8)

Type Anchor Donut Spherical Total

Number 1 2 1 2 4 10

TABLE X. Group 9. Number 1 6 4 11

In GG7/8 eleven loomweights were found together on the floor in room 207 (Yassine 1988:84, fig. 5). The total weight of this group is 1916 g, the average weight is 174 g (fig. 108), the average diameter of these weights is 5.0 cm and the average perforation diameter is 1.5 cm. The weights were made of fine yellow / orange clay type 3. One donut-shaped weight is made of gypsum 28 g, (diameter 7 cm, perforation diameter 1,6 cm).

Conclusions Stratum III Stratum III revealed some interesting large groups of loomweights, representing 7 different looms, mostly from the north of the site (fig. 119). Loom 7 stood inside the building, in the corridor opposite room 305 and 306 (GH8). The ten loomweights in room 313b (loom 8b) may have been stored there together with the pottery, or belonged to a small loom that was stored in this room. The other five looms stood on the roof of the building: Looms 6 and 5 on the roof of storage room 312, looms 2, 3 and 4 on the roof of room 318. Of the 136 loomweights in this Stratum the donut shaped loomweight is dominant (31.1%) followed by the heavy anchor shaped weight (25%) and the cylindrical loomweight (18.3%). There were no pyramidal and no

Group 10. (LE1/ 10) Group 10 is a group of loomweights found in a deposit of mud-brick, with hard brown soil, some charcoal, consisting of two possible surface layers, southeast of Unit 1. The group consists of 28 loomweights with a total weight of 3645 g, ranging from 80 to 522 g (fig. 108,120), the average weight is 130 g with an average diameter of 5.2 cm and a perforation diameter of 1.4 cm. The weights are made of well-selected and well-mixed clay, fabric type 3. 67

TELL EL-MAZAR and pyramidal shaped weights seem to be preferred. The weights of group 12 are more diverse in their shape suggesting that some other kind of fabric was woven, because the thickness of the weights is more diverse which causes difference in the space between the warp threads, resulting in a more open weft. TABLE XIII. Group Type Number Anchor 28 Donut 2 Donut small 8 Pyramidal 9 Spherical 8 Total 55

Fig. 120. Group 10 (LE1/10) TABLE XI. Group 10 Type Number Anchor (with pattern) 1 Cylindrical small 3 Donut 11 Spherical 13 Total 28

Conclusions Stratum II Most of the loomweights from stratum II were found in unclear stratigraphic contexts or in pits (Fig. 121). An exception is loom 9, which stood on the floor of room 207. The dominant type in this stratum is the anchor shaped loomweight. Spherical and pyramidal weights are represented but the donut shaped weight has become rare. Most significant is the reduction in average weight compared to the earlier strata (fig. 108). The average weight of all the registered loomweight from stratum II is 119 g, while the average weight of the loomweights within the groups (estimated looms) is 125,7 ranging between 89 and 174 g. The loomweights of stratum have parallels in the three Persian Period loomweights of Tell Ta’annek: the pyramidal loomweights weighing 66, 83 and 86 g (Friend 1998: 10,59-60,73 drawings). Light donut shaped loomweights (20-50 g) are known from different sites in Cis Jordan such as Khirbat Nimra (Shamir 1997). The donut shaped weights of Tell Mazar are heavier than those of Khirbat Nimra.

In HB8/6 two separate groups of loomweights were found, in a brick-lined pit in room 212/213. They are described as two different groups: one of 39 weights and one of 55 weights. Typological differences between the two groups support the idea that they represent two different looms.

Group 11. (HB8/6 group I) This group consists of 39 loomweights with a total weight of 3477 g, an average weight of 105 g (fig. 108). The average diameter is 3 cm. The weights were made of fine and well mixed clay, fabric type 3. The weights were smoothed, not fired, and the perforation diameter was small: 0.6 cm. TABLE XII. Group 11 Type Number Anchor 16 Pyramidal 7 Square 15 Spherical (small) 1 Total 39

Group 12. (HB8/6 group II) A group of 55 loomweights with a total weight of 6035 g and an average weight of 110 g (fig. 108). The average diameter is 3.7 cm. The perforation was made from two sides, the average perforation diameter is 0,6 cm. The weights were slightly larger than the weights of loom 11. The loomweights of loom 12 were made of fine well mixed clay, fabric type 3. The weights were smoothed and not fired. In group 12 the weights are on average about 20 g, or 20% heavier than in group 11, suggesting that different kinds of yarn were used in the warp of each loom. The clay and temper are the same in both groups, as is the perforation diameter. In both groups the anchor

Fig. 121. Topplan Stratum II with loomweight groups plotted 68

BOERTIEN: WEAVING AT TELL MAZAR: THE LOOMWEIGHTS group of small Hellenistic loomweights found in the topsoil). Pyramidal loomweights are known from the Hellenistic and Early Roman periods from Tel Anafa, Ashdod stratum 3a, Tal Maresha, Masada, Tel Michal, Samaria (Shamir 1996:148;2004:26), and from Pella in Jordan (McNicoll 1982: 74, Pl. 156). The small donut, spherical and anchor shaped loomweights are comparable to those described for the Persian period of the Negev sites of Horbat Rogem, Horbat Mesura and Horbat HaRo’a (Shamir 2004) and Khirbat Nimra (Shamir 1997). Light loomweights were used to produce fine textiles with very fine threads. Shamir (1997, 2004:26) has reconstructed a warp-weighted loom using light loomweights (20-40 g) from Maresha. It was found that the weaving could be accomplished with a maximum of three warp threads tied to each loomweight; the weaving proved more successful when heavier loomweights were tied at the edges (Sheffer1981; Shamir 1994).

Stratum I Most loomweights in Stratum I were found in pits. Because there is a significant difference in the type of loomweights between the Iron Ages and the Early Hellenistic period it was possible to ascribe three groups of loomweights to the Early Hellenistic Period. Group 13. (HB7/13) Group 13 consists of 21 loomweights. They were made of selected and well-mixed clay, fabric 3. The weights were unfired, well formed and smoothed. The perforation was very small and in most cases made from both sides. One weight had two holes. The weights were fired in the destruction layer. The majority (17) form a homogenous group, with three heavier weights, and one very light weight. The heavier weights range from 126-302 g, the very light spherical weight is 18 g; the other 17 weights range between 24-66 g. The total weight is 1254 g, ranging from 18-302 g (fig. 108). The average weight is 70 g, the average diameter is 4.2 cm. Average perforation diameter is 0.5 cm.

Type Anchor small Conical small Donut Donut small Mixed type Pyramidal Spherical

TABLE XIV. Group 13. Number Weight/gram 1 -1 66 2 126 - 302 2 -- - 60 9 24 - 54 1 194 5 36- 60 and 18

Fig. 122. Hellenistic loomweights from Stratum I

The loomweights

Group 14. ( HD1/5). Group 14 consisted of 33 loomweights of typical Hellenistic type and weight representing a loom. They were found south of wall W100 in a brick rubble deposit, which also contained mixed pottery ranging from Iron Age II to Hellenistic. The weight of all the loomweights together is 414 g, the average weight is only 15 g (ranging from 12-20 g; fig. 108), while the diameter is 2,5 cm. The perforation diameter is 0,4 cm.

Patterned loomweights Several loomweights show small marks printed on the weights, made while the loomweights were still wet (fig. 22, 23). The function of these prints is not clear. The fact that only very few loomweights were ‘marked’ makes it unlikely that they were owners marks. But if loomweights were stored in some communal place it is possible that one or two weights in a group were marked in order to distinguish the whole group of weights from the sets used by other weavers. Fig 22b is an anchor-shaped loomweight, found in a silo in Stratum I (HA7/7) It is made of well-mixed grey clay, fabric type 3. On one of the sides small circles were impressed in the wet clay.

TABLE XV. Group 14 Type Number Weight/gram Mixed type (don/sph/cyl) 17 12 to 20 small Spherical 16 12 to 18 Total 33 414

Conclusions Stratum I The loomweights of the Hellenistic period tend to be numerous, small and light (Shamir1996:148; 2004:26). The weights from Stratum I are unfired, small (average weight 40g) and very carefully made. They represent various types: the small donut type, the spherical and the pyramidal loomweights dominate (Fig. 122 shows a

Fig. 123. Patterned loomweights 69

TELL EL-MAZAR weight during the Iron Age and reduce in weight in the Persian and Hellenistic period (Shamir 1996:146, 151; Friend 1998:9-10). In the Persian period (stratum II) heavy anchor shaped weight are being used together with medium sized donut and spherical loomweights, and a new type is introduced: the lighter pyramidal loomweights. The loomweights became progressively smaller, to an average weight of only 73 g in the Early Hellenistic period. TABLE XVI. Weight per stratum (looms only) Stratum Avg Avg weight/ Total perf/cm grams n=390 VI 1.5 287 n= 5 V 1.4 132 n=56 IV --n= 0 III 1.6 505 n=136 II 1.0 126 n=133 I 0.6 73 n=60

Fig. 124. Patterned loomweight

Wear in loomweights On 12 loomweights from Tell Mazar grooves can be identified inside the holes, created by the rubbing of a single thread (fig. 125). This shows that the warp-threads were adjusted to the loomweights with an intermediary loop of a single thread. Wear of this kind is commonly found in loomweights (Boertien forthcoming)11.

Weight variation in loomweights The wide variation in weight of the Iron Age loomweights of Tell Mazar (74 - 2300g), suggests a high use differentiation. At several Iron Age sites very heavy weights (> 1 kg), do appear within sets of lighter loomweights, but always only a few of such extremely heavy weights are found. This phenomenon was found at Gordion (Burke 2010:117, fig 61,62), Beth Shean (Mazar 2006:478 photo 13.16) and Tell Deir ‘Alla (Boertien 2004: 322,314, fig 11; Franken 2008: 44, Fig. 3) 12 . Shamir does not think they were used together (Shamir 1996:144) but Barber (1991: 95) thinks it possible. Hoffmann (1974:42) found in her research on warpweighted looms in modern Scandinavia that women tied proportionally more warp threads to the heavier loomweights. In one case the weights being hung onto one and the same loom weighed from 1500 - 4500 g. Experiments at the Danish Centre for Textile Research confirmed that relatively heavy weights could be used together with lighter ones (Andersson Strand: pers. comm.). The two weights in group 5 at Tell Mazar weighed 2015 g and 2300 g respectively. They may have been used together with the smaller ones weighing 469820 g. It is also possible that the extremely heavy weights were used as a counter weight, or they may have had a function in the construction of the loom.

Fig. 125. Wear caused by a single loop thread.

Discussion and results Out of the 543 loomweights from Tell Mazar that have been studied, 390 represented a more or less complete loom. They present a unique opportunity to study typological development of weaving techniques from Iron Age IIB through the Persian Period into the Early Hellenistic Period. The loomweights of Mazar confirm the idea that Levantine loomweights show an increasing

Textile production The ‘bathtub’ Loom 1 was found together with a ‘bathtub’ placed on a brick platform (fig. 127). This construction is similar to five mud brick installations excavated at Tell Deir ‘Alla, two of which were found in connection with loomweights (Van der Kooij and Ibrahim 1989:82,89, fig 102, 104, 108, pers. obs.). The mudbrick installations cannot be

11

This phenomenon has been found on other Iron Age sites such as Deir ‘Alla (Boertien 2004:323, 329, figs. 25,26); Kadesh Barnea (Shamir 2007:265), Tell Batash (Browning 1988:195-200); Tell Ta’annek (Friend 1998:36, 39, 41, 42, 44, 46, 50, 53 – 58 and 60) and Vered Jericho (Shamir 2007:265).

12

The huge weights from Tell Deir ‘Alla are spherical 1050 g, conical 2749 g, and donut shaped 2400 g.

70

BOERTIEN: WEAVING AT TELL MAZAR: THE LOOMWEIGHTS associated to the warp-weighted looms, but the mudbrick tubs may have been used for fulling wool 13 . Another possible function would be for dying yarn or cloth (Mazow 2010 and pers. comm).

spindle with linen threads still wrapped around it was found. In combination with the hemp textile found at Tell Deir ‘Alla (Vogelsang-Eastwood 1989:61; Boertien 2004:306-308; 2007:68) this points to the production of vegetable yarn at Tell Mazar.

Where did they weave? Stratum III yielded several large groups of loomweights, each representing a more or less complete loom. Weaving, especially when intricate patterns are made, requires much light. The warp-weighted loom is a mobile construction; it could be carried to the place where the weaver wanted to work, perhaps in the doorway, in the courtyard or on the roof. A small loom (loom 7) stood on the floor of the corridor opposite room 305 and 306. This does not seem to be the place were the weaving activity took place, because it is a very dark part of the building. But such small looms14 can easily be picked up to take it to a place were there was enough light to weave. Looms 5 and 6 stood on the roof of storage room 312. And three looms stood on the roof of room 318: looms number 2, 3 and 4. Parallels of looms standing on the roof can be found in Jerusalem (Steiner 2001:100) Timna (Browning 1988:133), Deir ‘Alla (Boertien 2004:324), and the phenomenon has also been described by Platon (1971:57, 191, 281) at Kato Zakro on Crete. When not in use, loomweights were stored. 15 The loomweights of loom 8 were found in storage in room 313b. At Mazar six loomweights were found grouped as if they had been stored in a basket (Yassine 1988 Plate III:1). The basket itself burned away but the group of loomweights still maintained its shape.

Patterned cloth A loom can be operated in a number of ways, depending on the weaving technique used. For a tabby weave (Fig. 126) two rows of loomweights were used. Complex patterns, such as different kinds of twills, need more layers of warp threads. There are many variations of twill; for example a 2 / 2 twill requires four layers of warp threads, resulting in four rows of loomweights. To create a 2 / 1 twill three layers of warp threads are used, resulting in three rows of loomweights (Andersson Strand 2010:15-16 Fig. 2.10).

Fig. 126. Tabby weave and twill weave The loomweights of Loom 1 were found in three or four rows on the spot where the loom must have stood. This, together with the high number of weights, shows clearly that on these particular looms patterned cloth was woven. The number of loomweights used on loom 12 (55 loomweights) also suggests that this loom was used to produce a patterned weft. From the Assyrian tribute lists we know that linen garments with multicolored trimmings of colored wool were a local product of the region in the late Iron Age. ‘After Ammon’s subjection to Tiglat Pileser III (732 BC) it became a vassal of Assyria and had to pay tribute, in return Assyria allowed a measure of autonomy. Sanipu of Bit-Ammon is mentioned in the list of Tiglat Pileser III (744-727 BC) among all the kings of the region he tributes: gold, silver, tin, iron, antimony, linen garments with multicolored trimmings, garments of their native (industries) being made of dark purple wool….’ (ANET:282).

What did they make? The Iron Age loomweights used in the Jordan Valley are heavier than those used in the highlands of Moab and Gilead (Boertien forthcoming 2012; Wade and Mattingly 2002). The high average weight of loomweights in the Jordan Valley points to the use of strong vegetal yarn such as linen and hemp (Boertien 2004, 2007). Woollen yarn is much weaker and requires lighter loomweights (Boertien forthcoming 2012). Climatic and soil conditions of the Jordan Valley are suitable to grow hemp and flax. Flax seeds have been excavated from different sites in the Jordan Valley (Van der Kooij and Ibrahim 1989:34; Petit 2009:24). At Tell el-Hammah (Cahill et al. 1989:36) a

13

Fulling involves two processes, scouring and thickening. Scouring was conducted by standing ankle deep in tubs of human urine and cloth stamping and pounding the cloth. Stale urine, known as wash, was a source of ammonium salts and assisted in cleansing and whitening the cloth. The second function of fulling was to thicken cloth by matting the fibers together to give it strength and increase waterproofing (felting). After this stage, water was used to rinse out the foul-smelling liquor used during cleansing. 14 weighing about 7 to 8 kg. The weight of the loomweights is about 5,5 kilo, to which the weight of the wooden loom and the weight of the wool or linen that was being woven has to be added. 15 From the excavated material of Tell Deir ‘Alla phase IX a small group of weights (group III) was found laying together in the storage room, obviously they had been stored in a basket, but the basket burnt away in the conflagration of phase IX and the loomweights were left forming a small circle (Boertien 2004:319).

Conclusions The typology of the loomweights from Tell Mazar from the Persian and Early Hellenistic periods correlates to a large degree with the dated typology as known from CisJordan (Friend 1998:71-75): the introduction of the characteristic pyramidal loomweight, used side by side with the anchor, donut and spherical loomweights. However, the Iron Age loomweight repertoire of the Ammonite region differs from that of other parts of Trans 71

TELL EL-MAZAR The choice of weaving technique is determined by the function of the fabric. A dense and coarse twill fabric can be used for an outer garment, and will protect the wearer from wind and cold. A finer twill and tabby would be used for different types of inner garments, and as protection from sun and heat while an open tabby weave could be used as a veil. When interpreting the use of textiles it is important to realize that the choice of weaving technique depends on several factors, such as availability of raw materials, tradition and socioeconomic factors. The change in the type of loomweights cannot always be explained by a technological change, the answer has to be found in cultural and / or economic changes.

and Cis-Jordan. The donut-shaped loomweight dominated all over the Southern Levant, but in Ammon it was always combined with other types of loomweights. At Tell Mazar Iron Age IIB donut shaped loomweights were combined with spherical and cylindrical weights. At neighboring Deir ‘Alla phase IX donut shaped loomweights were used in combination with spherical and cylindrical weights, but also with conical and wheel shaped loomweights, which are less common at Mazar 16. The combination of donut shaped loomweights with spherical and cylindrical weights is also found in Tell Jawa (Daviau 2002:191-198) 17. In Iron ge IIc Mazar anchor shaped weights were used together with elongated conical and donut shaped weights. Both in Cis-Jordan and in Moab anchor shaped weights were rarely used before the Persian period (Wade and Mattingly 2002, Boertien forthcoming), confirming a different tradition in Ammon, although the implications for the production of textiles can not yet be estimated. The position and number of loomweights show that at Tell Mazar not only simple tabby weaves were produced but also patterned textiles, such as different kinds of twills. Heavy loomweights are known to be used to produce a heavy thick textile and lighter loomweights to make a thin light textile (Andersson Strand 2010). The loomweights of Tell Mazar show differences in weight within the strata but also within the different looms used in the Iron Age, suggesting that various kinds of textiles were produced simultaneously. The relatively large weight of some of the Iron Age loomweight also suggests that vegetal yarns (linen or hemp) were used.

Fig. 127 ‘bathtub’ from Room 503

16

This difference might be due to the fact that Deir Alla phase IX is earlier than the Iron Age strata of Tell Mazar (Boertien forthcoming). 17 Tell Jawa Stratum VIII dated to Middle Iron II, yielded donut shaped loomweights (including an amount of spherical ones) and four cylindrical loomweights. Tell Jawa Stratum VII dated to Late Iron II, yielded donut and wheel shaped loomweights together with spherical weights and two anchor, and 1 ring shaped loomweight. The excavator did not make a difference between donut shaped, wheel shaped and spherical loomweights and calls all these weights donut shppedonly the ‘best preserved’ weights are being presented (Daviau 2002: 194), but from the drawings can be seen that here also spherical and wheel shaped loomweights were being used (Daviau 2002; 191-98; 260, fig.2.150-2.151).

72

Chipped Stones From Tell El-Mazar Muhammad H. Jaradat

between the site and its surroundings. Also, the choice of raw materials for manufacturing of the stone tools shows preferences for specific materials for specific functions. Comparison of the complex with samples of raw material collected from Jebel el Mubarrad, and its surrounding valleys, about 5 km south of Tell Mazar, reveals that the material from Mazar may have come from this source. It consists of conglomerate materials with a variety of colours and different grades of graininess. Specifically, the fine and very fine grain which exist in the small nodules and conglomerates (S. Rosen 1997:33) have been selected for sharp tool edges. In this report, the colour of the flint pieces were studied using Munsell soil color charts. In addition graininess has been classified. Colour is very variable even within a single tool, but there are two main groups of colour which were represented in this category; gray (5yr 6/2, 4/2, 5/2; 7.5yr 6/2 and 10yr 6/2) and brown (5yr 3/3, 5/3, 6/3; 10yr 5/3, 4/3 and 7.5 5/3, 5/2). These were the most common of all colour varieties in both.

Introduction The appearance of metallurgy in the fourth millennium didn’t end the chipped stone industries (Anderson and Chabot 2001:257), but in general and compared to the studies conducted on prehistoric stone artifacts, only a few studies have taken into consideration such materials of the later periods. Stone tool assessment from the metal ages will help us to understand the function of the site and its socio-economic situation. This can be achieved through the analysis of the typology, technology, function and raw material used in production of the blanks and its resources (and the tools). This study focuses on the technological, typological and functional analysis (based upon previous use wear analysis for similar tools from other studies) of the chipped stone assemblages from the Iron Age site of Tell El –Mazar. 242 pieces were collected from three excavation seasons conducted in 1978-1981. Flakes represent 60% of the total. Most of them were unretouched blanks, and the main flake tools were sickles. Blades represent about 15% of the total, and most of them are retouched and sickle blades. About 21% is debris but no cores or core elements were found.

Flake Blade Bladelet Debris Total

% 60.33 15.28 2.47 21.90 99.98

Blank Measurement Measurements have been taken of every segment, either retouched and unretouched, complete or incomplete, but not of the debris pieces. For debris I follow Rosen (1997:30) who classifies chips as less than 2 cm, and chunks as greater. Blank length is defined as the maximum distance between the distal end and proximal end. The width measurement is the maximum distance between the right and left edges. Width is defined as the maximum mid distance between the ventral and dorsal surfaces.

No. 146 37 6 53 242

Flake Dimensions The majority of blank types were flakes, 146 of total 242 were complete and incomplete flakes. The length average of 83 complete flakes is 45.97mm, the average width is 32.86mm and thickness average is 6.97mm. The maximum length of the incomplete flakes is 73.03mm and the minimum length is 20.46mm, the maximum width is 67.57mm and the minimum width is 16.57mm. The maximum thickness is 16.07mm and the minimum is 2.30mm.

Methodology: - Classification of the elements; typology, technology, function (based upon recent analysis studies) and raw material resources, colours by using the Munsell soil color charts and graininess. - Measuring, length, width and thickness for all pieces either complete or incomplete in millimeter scale, using digital caliper. - Using 10 x lens to identify some feature details. - Using Access program for analyzing and statistical study. - Drawing and photographing samples of the elements. - Using previous researches for comparative studies in technology and typology of lithics, also in the function of the tools.

Blade and Bladelet Dimensions “A blade is minimally twice as long as wide, as measured along the striking axis at midpoint” (Rosen 1997:31). The maximum length of 22 (21) complete blades is 72.7, the maximum width is 28.4mm and the maximum thickness is 10.69mm. Average of the length is 55.80mm, width 20.82mm and thickness 6.23mm. Only six bladelets were found, the max. length is 46.5mm and min. is 37.12mm and average length is 42.22mm. Max. width is 37.12mm, min. 11.22mm and average is

Raw Materials Studying raw material is important to identify the resources, whether use was made of local or imported materials, and it is an indicator of the relationship 73

TELL EL-MAZAR 23.29mm. Max. Thickness is 3.92mm, min. 2.99mm and average is 3.52mm.

TABLE XVII. Numbers and percentages of tools. Tool type No. % Retouched flake 24 9.91 Backed flake 3 1.23 Retouched backed 2 0.82 flake Dinticulated retouched 1 0.41 flake Truncated flake 1 0.41 Bitruncated retouched 1 0.41 flake Sickle flake 9 3.71 Large geometric sickle 13 5.37 flake Truncated Large 2 0.82 geometric sickle flake Backed truncated sickle 2 0.82 flake Truncated sickle flake 2 0.82 Retouched blade 9 3.71 Backed Retouched 4 1.65 blade Truncated Backed 3 1.23 Retouched blade Truncated Retouched 1 0.41 blade Backed sickle blade 3 1.23 truncated sickle blade 3 1.23 Sickle blade 2 0.82 Truncated backed 2 0.82 sickle blade Truncated retouched 1 0.41 canaanean blade Double Sickle blade 1 0.41 truncated Backed sickle 2 0.82 bladelet End scraper 3 1.23 Total 94 38.7

Cortex Cortex percentages provide very good information concerning the sources of the raw materials, and can clarify whether the stone tool was manufactured on-site or off-site (Van Gijn 2003:402). Most of the pieces are tertiary, 161 of 242 were without any cortex. Secondary pieces (1-50%) are 56 and 25 are primary (50-100% cortex). The absence of cores, the high percentage of tertiary elements, the low percentage of primary pieces and the small amount of knapping waste, leads to three possible assumptions; first, production was off-site ( the manufacturing workshops were outside the site.). Second, the collecting process was incomplete (excavators didn’t collect all the flint elements). Third, the area of the workshop was not excavated. Debris Debris “is amorphous, that is without standardized features” (Rosen 1997:30). By Rosen’s definition debris smaller than 2 cm is called chips and debris larger than 2 cm is called chunk. The debris in the Tell Mazar assemblage represents about 21% (53 pieces; 41 of which are chunk and 12 chips). It seems probable that most of these are fragments of broken pieces, not part of the manufacturing process, because the majority is without any features. Unretouched Category Usually unretouched pieces are identified as unused or as not being tools, because they have no retouches on their edges. However, recent studies of use wear analysis prove that some implements of this type were used as tools for working soft materials (Gonzalez and Ibanez 2001:206). This category represents about 40% of the total assemblage, and consists of un-retouched flakes, blades and bladelets. The majority, about 86%, are flakes, and the remainder are blades and bladelets. The maximum length of a flake is about 73mm, the width about 62mm and the thickness is about 12mm. 55% of unretouched flakes are complete. Of the 84 unretouched flakes, 47 were tertiary (non-cortex), 24 secondary and 13 primary. The maximum length of blades was about 72 mm, width about 28mm and thickness about 10mm.

Flake tools: Sickle flakes (fig. 128-133, 135) All types of Sickle flakes represent about 45% of the retouched flakes. Most of these are complete flakes and the majority is made on non-cortex and very fine grain flint. The measurements of the Tell el Mazar of complete sickle-flake: maximum length is about 63.88mm, min. 25.69mm and average is 44.61mm. Max. width 62.19mm, min. 21.11mm and average is 34.63 and the maximum thickness is 11.44mm, min. 4.62mm and average is 7.68mm. This category is classified based on the features and retouches that shaped this type of tools. The sickles in Tell el-Mazar were compared to the types which are mentioned in Rosen 1997. The large geometric sickle which represents about 13% of the total amount of the retouched objects are made on various shape of flakes. The type variation of these tools occurs in the presence or absence of the backing and the location of the truncations on the artifact. The highest percentage of the clear geometric shapes was the rectangle and semi

Blades and bladelets are mainly tertiary and secondary and most of the un-retouched elements were made from very fine and fine grain. Most of this category came from Locus M/C8:5 (unstratified), with a few coming from the other areas. Tools The flint tools that are best known from the Iron Age are sickles with a cutting edge made from flake / blade (Rosen 1997:59-60). About 39% (95 of 242 elements) have worked edges, mainly representing flakes and blades that were used in different functions and shaped in different forms. 74

JARADAT: CHIPPED STONES rectangle: eight sickles out of 15 (53%), while the remainder represents other shapes like triangular and arched. This group is categorized as sickles because they featured gloss on both surfaces: dorsal and ventral, although it is usually clearer on the ventral surface, leaving a band of maximum 10mm wide along the working edge.

thickness is 9.87mm, min. 3.8mm and average is 6.45mm. Four blades have been broken off at the right and proximal parts. Most of the sickles (flake and blade sickles) were backed, probably to be hafted along the working edge. Several studies and microscopic analyses have proved that bitumen remains on the sickle backed edges were used to fix tools in a handle (Rosen 1997:57, Anderson et al 2004:89-93, Anderson and Chabot 2001). This technique was found in several sites in Levant, such as Deir el Balah in the late Bronze Age (Rosen 1997:56), and Tell ‘Atij in the Early Bronze Age (Anderson and Chabot 2001) and in Tell Leilan from the second millennium B.C onwards (Van Gijn 2003:404). Sickles on backed and arched backed blades continued in use up tell 8th century BC. (Rosen 1997:59-60). Whether the Mazar tools had bitumen remains could not be established.

Large geometric sickles replaced the Canaanean blade in the Middle Bronze Age II (MBII) and their use continues well into Iron Age II (Rosen 1997:59). Use wear analysis is very helpful to interpret the use-marks on sickle flakes, while the distribution of the polished surface, the striations on the working edges and the other details on the tools could help interprete the way in which they were used, as well as the cutting direction, in addition to helping provide details about hafting methods on the backed part of the tool (Yamada S. in press). The latest experimental investigations and use wear analysis suggest that glosses developed through the use of these types of tools for reaping and cutting cereals and other type of plants like reeds (Van Gijn 2003:404, 1992, Rosen 1997:55-57). Some recent experimental studies on the Canaanean blades and the gloss on the working edges show that sheens could also be obtained by using these tools in a threshing sledge (Anderson et al 2004:89, Anderson and Chabot 2001, Rosen 1997:100). In general, most research on the glossy tools shows that they have been used in agricultural activities. However, to identify the actual function of the tools from Tell el Mazar, they would have to be analyzed with use wear analysis techniques.

Bladelet (fig. 135D) About 4% of the assemblage consisted of bladelets (6 of 242). Five were found in square M/C8 locus 05, and one came from a silo in H/A8 (locus 11). These objects are narrow and short compared to the blades group, the max. length is 46.5mm, max. width is 19.8mm and max. thickness is 3.92mm. The average of their length is about 40mm and thickness average about 3mm. Two objects show glosses and four are unretouched blanks. The sickles of this group were made from very fine grain and gray color flint. The gloss showed on the ventral surface of the right edges. Retouched blades (fig. 130B,C; 134B,D; 135F) This category consists of 17 objects (7% of total), made of gray and brown, mainly non-cortex and very fine and fine flint. About 47% (eight) of these tools are broken in different places. Maximum length of the complete retouched blades is about 67.12mm, min. 31.45mm and average is 50.61mm. Max. width 28.4mm, min. 10.91mm and average is 18.57mm and max. thickness 10.69mm, min. 3.31mm and average is 5.99mm. Microscopic tests in previous studies of this type of tools show that retouched and backed blades were used as hafted composite blades, as knives for cutting or they may have been unused sickles (Rosen 1997:64).

Retouched flakes (fig. 128A, 132D, 133D, 134C, 135C, 136B) This group consists of retouched flakes, backed flakes, retouched backed flake, truncated and denticulated flakes. The average length of the complete objects is about 43mm, average width is 34mm and average thickness is 7mm. Retouches were located mainly on the distal end, and were made on very fine and fine grain flint. Only two of these tools were backed flakes. These artifacts were used in similar techniques and contexts as the glossy tools. Therefore, the fact that they had not developed a gloss suggests that they were used either as tools for cutting soft materials which doesn’t create a gloss, or unfinished elements. In most cases the retouch location was on the right and left dorsal lateral edges and very rarely on the ventral surface.

End-scraper (fig. 128C; 129D) Three end-scrapers were found; two were found in MC8 locus 5, made from pinkish gray, fine grain and noncortex flint. The first one was made of flake, its dimensions were: about 36mm length, 19mm in width and 8mm thick. The second was a pointed end-scraper made of a broken blade, its length was about 66mm and its thickness about 7mm. The third one was a rounded end scraper on a broken notched retouched blade, found in QA3 locus 25. Fine grain and light gray color (10YR 7/2) flint, notch located on the lower part of the ventral surface. This tool is rare in the Tell Mazar context, because it was made with an earlier technique (Canaanean blade) (Rosen 1997:86-87). It also had a colour that was unique in tell el Mazar assemblage.

Sickle blade and bladelet (fig. 131A, 132C, 134A,B,E) Sickle blades show a gloss on their retouched edges. 37 blades were found, most of them in area Q and M. 11 sickles were found in square Q/H2. Eight of these were backed and truncated blades, while the other three were made on simple blades. The working edges on all objects were on the left laterals. Very fine and fine grain and non-cortex flint were used. The maximum length of the complete sickles is about 72.7mm, min.37.12mm and average is 55.47mm. The maximum width is 28.34mm, min. 10.79mm and average is 20.08mm. The maximum 75

TELL EL-MAZAR The end-scraper is used for the scraping of different hard and soft materials. Probably these types of tools used to be hafted, to ease scraping hard materials such as bone or wood in addition to skin and hide working (Semenov 1964:87, Rosen 1997:87 and Odell 2000:307). These types of scrapers appeared mainly in the Neolithic period and continued in use until the Early Bronze Age (Rosen 1997:87).

All blanks were made from very fine and fine chert which produces the preferred sharp edges. These types of raw materials are available in the surrounding area, mainly from the nearby valleys and from the Ajloun district where these conglomerate and small nodules are found. The low percentage of cortex and absence of cores and knapping waste indicate off-site manufacturing. However, the existence of unretouched, unfinished and “unused” elements perhaps indicates that the final stages of manufacturing were done on the site. At the same time, the absence of retouching waste may be due to the various on-site collecting procedures of flint objects. This may explain the concentration of blanks, specially of unretouched objects, and debris and some tools in one locus (M/C8 locus 05), while a high percentage of sickles but very little debris came from area Q. Finally, chipped stone from Tell el-Mazar is part of a widespread culture, providing us with significant information for reconstruction of the whole story of long accumulation of our history. However, if we want to be more specific we should extend the scale of excavation, and start analyzing these flint assemblages using the new techniques to clarify their function.

Discussion Since Tell el-Mazar represents one of the later metallurgical periods, several chipped stone tool types were already replaced with metal elements, however, flint sickles remained in use, because of their need in agricultural activities. But tool shapes and technology became less important and poorer compared to the previous periods. This hypothesis should be tested by studying the metal objects from Tell el-Mazar and comparison with stone tools from contemporary sites like Tell Deir Alla, Tell el-Hemmeh and Tell Es-Sa’idiyeh. Most of the tools from Tell Mazar have gloss on their working edges, and were made of flakes. In addition to this there was a group of “unused” sickles which were retouched and backed in the same techniques as the glossed group.

76

JARADAT: CHIPPED STONES

Fig. 128.

Fig. 129

Fig. 130

Fig. 131 77

TELL EL-MAZAR

Fig.132

Fig. 133

Fig. 134

Fig. 135

Fig. 136 78

JARADAT: CHIPPED STONES TABLE XVIII. Illustrated flints from Tell Mazar Object

Locusnumber

A B C D E F G H

MC8/5 MC8/5 MC8/5 MC8/5 MC8/5 MC8/5 MC8/5 MC8/5

A B C D E F

PH2/25 PH3/7 MC8/5 QA3/25 LG3/6 PH2/56

A B C D E

QC2/6 QC2/6 PH4/9 MB8/9 LF4/16

A B C D

QB4/3 QA2/12 PH2/15 QA2/12

A B C D

HC1/7 QB2/10 LF4/16 QB1/1

A B C D

QH2/12 QH2/12 QH2/12 I6/5

A B C D

HB8/7 HB8/7 QA2/14 QC3/4

A B C D E F G H

LC1/9 QA1/36 QA1/34 MC8/5 MC8/5 MC8/5 QB3/17 Unstr.

A B

QA2/12 MC8/5

Type Figure 128 Retouched flake Sickle flake End-scraper Sickle flake Sickle flake Unretouched flake Unretouched flake Unretouched flake Figure 129 Geometric sickle flake Geometric sickle flake Denticulated sickle flake End-scraper Geometric sickle flake Geometric sickle flake Figure 130 Geometric sickle flake Truncated retouched blade Retouched blade Sickle flake Backed sickle flake Figure 131 Geometric sickle flake Geometric sickle flake Geometric sickle flake Geometric sickle flake Figure 132 Sickle blade Geometric sickle flake Sickle flake Retouched flake Figure 133 Sickle flake Geometric sickle flake Backed sickle blade Retouched flake Figure 134 Unretouched flake Retouched blade Retouched flake Retouched blade Figure 135 Sickle blade Sickle blade Retouched flake Retouched bladelet Sickle blade Retouched blade Unretouched flake Sickle flake Figure 136 Unretouched flake Retouched flake

79

TELL EL-MAZAR

80

Conclusion

The earliest excavated areas (Stratum VI) revealed fragmentary but promising remains of substantial architecture, probably representing some kind of public building(s), the nature of which is unclear. What little pottery was found in context with these remains does not differ significantly from the pottery of the succeeding Stratum V, which is dated to the Assyrian period (end of the 8th century). The region became a vassal state of Assyria during the reign of Tiglath-Pileser III (745-727). There are traces of a violent destruction of Stratum VI (burnt remains, and layers of mudbrick rubble). Since the transition of Ammon into an Assyrian vassal state seems to have been peaceful, there are no historical events that can directly be related to this destruction. The Balaam text at Deir Alla dates from the same time as Stratum VI, and it is likely that Deir Alla had a religious function. At Sa’idiyeh there were rows of houses, with evidence of weaving, possibly on an industrial scale (Pritchard 1985). Deir Alla Phase IX was destroyed by a violent earthquake in the second half of the 8th century. The region is prone to earthquakes, and it is by no means certain that this was the same destruction, but the scale of the destruction at Deir Alla makes it a distinct possibility the destruction of (parts of) Stratum VI can be attributed to the same natural disaster. Tell es-Sa’idiyeh was also destroyed in the same period.

The excavations at Tell Mazar have uncovered remains from the 11th century to the early Hellenistic period, although the Tell itself was occupied from the Middle Bronze Age onwards, as shown by the surface pottery. There are some tantalizing remains of even earlier pottery, which were found in the excavations at the edge of the Tell, of an Early Bronze IB jar (Cat. P116), and some possible Early Bronze I sherds in the layer below it. The earliest excavated remains were on mound A, a smaller mound some 200m northeast of the main tell. Here a courtyard building was found, that has been interpreted as an open-court sanctuary. It is dated to the end of the 11th century, continuing into the first half of the next century. It consisted of a courtyard, with adjoining rooms, one of which was a small cella. In the preceding period there had been a temple at nearby Deir Alla, which was destroyed in the 12th century. Franken considers it to be a local tribal sanctuary that played a role in the international Egyptian trade (Franken 1992, 2008; van der Steen 2004)1. After its destruction by a succession of earthquakes, and after the collapse of the international trade, the sanctuary seems to have been abandoned, at least until the 9th century. Franken states that the numinous character of Deir Alla must have continued after the destruction of the temple. However, if the tribes that used to worship at Deir Alla no longer had access to the site, for political or other reasons, they would have needed an alternative place of worship. If a holy place becomes inaccessible, a place from which it is visible can become sacred by association (van der Steen, in press). This may be the origin of the Mazar Mound A sanctuary, which was in sight of Deir Alla. It is possible that the tribes that originally worshipped in Deir Alla created a new place of worship somewhat further north, much smaller, from where they could see the original holy place. The ‘cella’ of Mazar is different from that of Deir Alla, but the layout of the sanctuary as a whole, with a courtyard and service rooms adjoining the cella, is very similar.

Stratum V was built on top of the remains of Stratum VI. The building excavated on top of the tell was a large courtyard building, with rooms surrounding the courtyard (at least on the excavated southeast side) and a casemate outer wall. The building type has elements that are reminiscent of the Syro-Hittite bit hilani, such as the large central hall, and the double (in this case triple) outer walls. Most of the remains found in and around the building date from the latest phases of use. The substantial architecture suggests that it was erected as a public building. However, most of the pottery and other artifacts found inside and around it, are indicative of domestic use. There is substantial evidence for cooking, weaving and other domestic activities, as well as for animal husbandry. It seems that at some point in its existence, the public function of the building became obsolete, and it was taken over by squatters or local farmers. Some narrow walls were built in the central courtyard, the guard room at the entrance of the building became a weavers’ workshop, and to the north of the building a small house was built, with an oven room in it. The beautiful Astarte Beer jug, that was found outside the guardroom on the pavement, may have been a remnant of the original function of the building. There are no indications about the original function of the building, apart from the casemate walls, which suggests either a defensive function, or reflects the volatile political situation of the

On the main tell architecture has been found from the Assyrian period onwards. Throughout the late Iron Age Tell Mazar has had a more than local significance, as can be seen from the substantial buildings that occupied the tell. This is partly due to the prominence of the tell itself, towering over its surroundings. Partly it may also have been due to its position in the valley. Mazar formed a chain with its sister sites Deir Alla to the south and Sa’idiyeh to the north, and their fates are often connected. 1

Recent excavations have shown that Deir Alla in the Late Bronze Age was a large village. That does not, of course, preclude the function of the temple as a tribal sanctuary, because tribes were rarely fully nomadic or fully settled, and the development of an international market area would in any case lead to increased settlement around the sanctuary.

81

TELL EL-MAZAR region. The campaign of Sennacherib of 701, which was aimed at the rebellious Hezekia of Judah and largely fought in the Mediterranean coastal regions, may have had a wider impact, and included Mazar, or caused the occupants of the Mazar fortress to desert their stronghold. Whether the building was partially destroyed before the squatters moved in, is impossible to determine. A fire caused the end of the squatter occupation. The pottery found in Stratum V suggests it is contemporaneous with Deir Alla Phase VII. Deir Alla Phase VII dates from the beginning of the 7th century and only existed for a relatively short period. It also seems to coincide with the presence of some heavy walls on the top of Tell es-Sa’idiyeh, which are found underneath the Persian residency on that site, and which still await further excavation to determine their function. Destruction struck at Deir Alla and at Mazar at more or less the same time.

king, possibly Hissalel (Yassine 1988:87). Since Ammon was a vassal state of the Assyrian empire, the local governor would have been an Ammonite. The introduction of several new (but local) types of pottery (see Chapter Pottery) indicates a cultural shift towards a more upper class presence. It is possible that the change in function in the last stages of the Stratum III building reflects larger political events. The creation of the Assyrian province of Gal’ad in 733 which included the Zerqa triangle with Mazar and Deir Alla (Hubner 1992:189) would have made a governor’s palace superfluous, and it would probably have been replaced with a garrison. That may have been the cause for the creation of the smaller rooms in the centre. Alternatively, it is possible that the Babylonian conquest was followed by a change in function of the fortress. Several finds in the rooms, such as cylinder seals, horse figurines, storage rooms, a central slaughter area and an arrow head, suggest that the function of the building was not purely domestic, but possibly housed a garrison of soldiers. How the large numbers of looms found in this stratum fit into this function is not clear, although it is possible that the soldiers lived in the building with their families. Stratum IV-III coincides with Deir Alla Phase VI, which is interpreted as a village, possibly fortified (Groot 2011:96). The corresponding layers in Sa’idiyeh are still hidden below the Persian residency. It seems that the Mazar Palace Fort was the centre of government for the region in this period. This period saw an expansion of international trade, with a number of major roads traversing the region. The major North-South route through Jordan was the King’s Highway, from which several east-west roads must have crossed the Jordan Valley towards the west. Another road ran through the Jordan Valley past Mazar and Deir Alla. The finds from Tell Mazar, particularly from the cemetery (Yassine 1984) but also pottery and objects from the mound itself, suggest prosperity and international contacts. The building of Stratum III was burnt down in a heavy conflagration, which seems to have been sudden, because the inhabitants left many of their belongings behind. This suggests the building was not under siege, and the destruction has been ascribed to Nebuchadnezzar’s expedition in 582, which destroyed several other sites in the region such as Deir Alla, Adliyeh and Ammata.

Stratum IV was built on top of the remains of Stratum V, after a period of abandonment. The orientation of the building of Stratum IV is the same as that of the previous stratum, but the building’s layout is very different. It consisted of rows of rooms surrounding a central hall, south of a cobbled and plastered courtyard. The architecture of the building suggests a public, possibly an administrative function. The remains, which were mostly found in the central part of the building, were mostly domestic and related to storage, cooking and weaving. It had a monumental entrance on its east side. At some point in its existence the building was expanded, marking the beginning of Stratum III. The central part was covered with a fill layer, which preserved the remains of the previous stratum, whilst creating a podium which made the central part of the new building stand out among its surroundings. The walls surrounding the podium were very heavy and buttressed, as they had to support the fill inside. The space inside these walls was reorganized. The monumental entrance on the east side remained in use, but two wings were added, on each side of the entrance. Towards the end of its existence, the building seems to have undergone a change in function. Several rooms were added, and the large hall in the central part was divided into smaller rooms. The remains in most of the rooms, particularly the inner rooms and the two wings, indicate a largely domestic function. The southern wing seems to have been used as an abattoir, judging from the large amounts of cattle bones. There were some finds of a possibly administrative nature, such as several ostraca, and a stone weight.

After the fire and destruction the tell was deserted for a while. The occupation of Stratum II started with a levelling operation of the ruins of the previous stratum. The difference in height between the leveled ruins and the surrounding area was retained by a heavy stone wall. The buildings of Stratum II consisted of groups of rooms (‘units’) around a central courtyard. It could have been a common farmstead belonging to an extended family, but for several features. The leveling operation involving massive stone walls seems out of proportion with a purely domestic occupation. Also, there were a relatively large number of arrow heads found among the rubble. The Persian Period, in which Stratum II can be dated, saw a general decline in occupation in the region. Mazar

The building of Stratum IV and its successor of Stratum III represent a long period of relative peace. There was no destruction at the end of Stratum IV, the function of the rebuilding in Stratum III was expansion, probably reflecting the growing importance of Mazar. The building was dubbed ‘the Palace Fort’ by the excavator, and interpreted as the seat of a governor of the region. It may have doubled as a garrison. In one of the rooms an ostracon was found, carrying the name of an Ammonite 82

CONCLUSION

belonged to the province of Ammon, which was part of the satrapy of ‘beyond the river’. Left to itself, the Jordan Valley tends to become the playground for local tribes, and tribal conflicts are common (van der Steen in press). Any settlers in the region would have to be prepared to defend themselves against attacks from local bands and tribes. It is possible that the platform created by the stone retaining walls was part of a defensive structure which has disappeared (it was found directly under topsoil, and in places on the surface of the tell, any superstructures having eroded away). This is supported by the number of arrow heads. There are no indications for a violent end to this stratum. It was probably deserted and left to fall into ruin. During the Persian period the occupation of Deir Alla seems to have been rural, more or less like that of Mazar, while at Sa’idiyeh a more substantial government presence has been suggested by the excavator. Here a small fortress has been excavated, a substantial courtyard building with heavy walls. It was built in the course of the Persian period, and seems to have remained in use (possibly by squatters only in the later phases, judging from the lack of finds) until well into the Hellenistic period.

garrison. It was dated to the Hellenistic period on the basis of the pottery found. The absence of any defensive structures suggests that in this period the area was relatively safe. The excavator has suggested it may have been a central storage facility for nearby Tell Ammata. The pottery dates the stratum to the Early Hellenistic period, ending before the conquest of Alexander. At Deir Alla the Late Persian – Early Hellenistic period may have seen some substantial building, although nothing has been found of those with the exception of some heavy foundations. Apart from that, there were large numbers of pits, probably used for storage, like on Tell Mazar. Most conspicuous was a very large (diam >10m) pit on the top of the tell. After the Tell was deserted, it was used as a burial site, until very recently. Tells and hills have always been popular burial sites. In the four seasons of excavation, only a relatively small part of Tell Mazar has been excavated. Small trenches into the deeper layers, as well as the excavation on the edge of the tell (Areas P and Q), have shown that there are substantial periods of occupation, from as early as the Early Bronze Age. Future excavations may therefore bring to light a substantial part of the history of Mazar that is presently covered in soil, and substantiate, or even alter, the history of the region.

The latest stratum, Stratum I, consists mainly of pits. Many of these were storage pits for grain and possibly animal feed (chaff), possibly for a nearby town or

83

TELL EL-MAZAR

84

Tell el-Mazar Field I Pottery plates

POTTERY PLATES

diameter

subnr

3

locusnr

functional group open bowl open bowl

square

nr. 1 2

area

Plate 1 – Stratum V

L L

G4 H3

25 21

9 6

180 180

colour brown buff

open bowl

L

E2

24

4

11

red

4

open bowl

L

H4

32

6

200

pink

5

open bowl

L

G3

17

10

185

orange/pink

6

open bowl

L

G4

18

5

pink

7

open bowl

L

H5

25

5

white

8 9 10 11 12

open bowl open bowl open bowl open bowl open bowl

L L L L L

H4 G3 E2 H1 F3

22 14 24 11 14

3 1 9 19 4

200 195 260 200

orange pink pink/grey pink/grey pink/grey

13 14 15

open bowl open bowl open bowl

L L L

G4 H3 H5

24 21 10

5 5 11

180 250 145

orange/pink or g or black

16 17

open bowl open bowl

L L

G4 G4

21 26

15 16

23 240

buff orange

18 19 20

open bowl open bowl open bowl

L L L

G4 G4 G4

25 26 18

8 17 1

165 180 140

white orange white

21

open bowl

L

G4

21

8

150

grey/orange

22

open bowl

L

E5

15

13

130

orange

grey lime

23 24

open bowl open bowl

L L

F3 H5

14 26

8 4

210 200

orange/grey

hard, ringing ware

25

open bowl

L

E1

19

4

190

red/grey

26

open bowl

L

E5

9

8

230

red

fine blk lime sand, poss basalt

27

open bowl

L

G3

14

2

160

orange

grey angular lime

28 29

open bowl open bowl

L L

G5 H4

10 31

2 9

150 180

orange/grey pink

109

temper

surface treatment

scraped red painted horizontal bands outside

remarks

eggshell ware

red slip in and out coarse, some sand fine white lime

scum outside

some sand large basin coarse scraped burnished in coarse, some sand

sand and green lime

some sand

scraped scraped

burnished out sharp edges

scraped

TELL EL-MAZAR

L L L L L L

H5 H3 E2 G4 H5 H3

12 19 25 25 10 17

2 7 1 16 8 3

diameter

subnr

30 31 32 33 34 35

open bowl krater krater krater krater jar/jug

locusnr

functional group

square

nr.

area

Plate 2 – Stratum V

140 340 250 185 80

colour

pink/grey pink/grey pink/grey red pink/grey brown

36 37

jar/jug jar/jug

L L

E4 G4

10 17

6 16

90 80

pink orange

38

jar/jug

L

G4

25

18

80

orange

39

jar/jug

L

F3

14

7

65

40 41 42 43 44

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

L L L L L

F3 G4 G4 H1 G4

13 18 17 14 26

3 7 4 2 22

95 90 100 100 100

pink orange/ grey buff pink pink pink/grey

45

jar/jug

L

H1

11

6

80

red

46 47

jar/jug jar/jug

L L

E3 H4

11 21

8 8

80 80

pink orange

48 49 50 51 52 53

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

G G L L L L

E7 E7 H1 H5 E2 H1

31 31 11 12 24 11

13 7 8 16 5 30

100 90 95

54

jar/jug

L

F3

13

17

black pink/grey red/buff orange buff pink/grey orange/ grey

80 95

55 56

jar/jug jar/jug

G L

E7 E1

25 19

7 3

80 60

57

jar/jug

L

E4

10

7

100

pink/grey red white/ grey

110

temper

surface treatment

remarks ledge handle with knobs on rim

hard ware scraped sand

fine grey lime, some sand

handle starts top rim and extends up decanter scum

very much fine white lime

some sand coarse coarse coarse grey lime fine white lime

black slip

scum

extra ridge below rim

possibly round base much sand

dense ware, little temper

traces of organic material on surface

POTTERY PLATES

functional group

59

holemouth jar

60

holemouth jar

G

E7

31

61

holemouth jar

L

G4

L

63

holemouth jar holemouth jar

64

holemouth jar

62

diameter

nr.

subnr

locusnr

square

area

Plate 3 – Stratum V

colour

temper

surface treatment

360

grey

lime, org, sand

wetsmoothed

4

250

pink/ grey

lime, org sand shale, red bits

none

21

12

240

orange/ buff

G4

26

15

L

G4

20

2

160

grey

L

H5

10

7

150

black

G

E7

25

3

G

E7

31

1

brown/ grey

no visible temper

66

holemouth jar holemouth jar

L

E4

10

13

67

holemouth jar

L

H5

26

10

180

brown

68

holemouth jar

L

E1

19

8

180

brown/ grey

69

platter

L

G4

26

20

235

red

70

platter

L

H4

21

5

250

71

deep bowl

L

H3

14

2

190

pink/ grey

72

deep bowl

L

H5

5

15

175

pink/ grey

hard ware

pink/ brown

fine rounded bl lime

65

73

deep bowl

L

H5

22

2

grey orange/ grey

hard ware

much sand

white slip remains

groove on top rim

scraped large heavy bowl

111

TELL EL-MAZAR

subnr

G4

25

10

deep bowl

L

E1

19

7

77

deep bowl

L

F3

13

21

78

deep bowl

L

G5

10

6

functional group deep bowl

76

diameter

locusnr

L

nr. 75

area

square

Plate 4 – Stratum V

180

colour red

temper dense ware

buff/ grey

painted net pattern

coarse

deep bowl

L

F3

14

6

135

80

deep bowl

L

H4

21

3

180

81

deep bowl

L

H5

22

10

185

82

deep bowl

L

G3

17

4

165

83

deep bowl

L

H1

11

18

150

pink/ black orange pink/ grey

sand, dense ware much org

pink pink/ grey

84

deep bowl

L

H1

11

31

130

buff

coarse ware, basalt temper

85

deep bowl

G

E7

32

1

120

orange/ grey

organic, lime sand

86

cooking pot

L

E1

19

5

190

buff

87

cooking pot

L

G4

21

7

88

cooking pot

L

H5

12

5

89

cooking pot

L

H1

11

2

pink brown/ black

90

cooking pot

L

F3

13

2

pink/ grey

91

cooking pot

L

H1

11

14

170

92 93

cooking pot cooking pot

L G

H1 E7

14 31

1 8

175 170

red/ pink buff

some sand sand much sand

180

94

cooking pot

L

E4

9

1

190

95

cooking pot

L

E1

20

1

170

red

96

cooking pot

L

F3

13

20

160

red

97

cooking pot

L

G1

18

5

175

orange/ grey

98

cooking pot

L

G4

21

13

180

pink/ grey

L

E5

9

2

burnished

pink/ black

red/ grey

lamp

remarks

pink

79

99

surface treatment

calcite thick walled extra groove on rim

wet smooth

very much fine white lime

110 112

cooking pot?

round base, slight grooves below rim outside. No spout found, it may be a open bowl

POTTERY PLATES

2

open bowl

G

H7

10

4

H7

10

diameter

subnr

G

locusnr

functional group open bowl

square

nr. 1

area

Plate 5 – Stratum IV

10

colour black

buff

3

jar/jug

L

G4

16

25

4

bowl

L

H1

9

8

red pink/ grey

5

open bowl

G

H7

10

7

red

6

open bowl

L

G1

16

2

95

7

open bowl

L

G4

13

7

130

8

open bowl

L

F4

30

2

170

9

open bowl

L

G1

15

1

140

10

open bowl

L

H2

14

9

100

11

open bowl

L

G4

16

33

170

12

open bowl

L

H4

17

17

13 14

open bowl open bowl

L L

G4 H4

16 17

14 25

150 150

15

open bowl

L

G4

15

21

160

16

open bowl

L

G4

16

15

180

17

open bowl

L

F4

28

5

buff pink/br own pink/gr ey orange/ buff

pink/ grey orange/ grey pink/ grey pink/ black buff pink/ grey pink/ grey

temper

surface treatment

fine black rounded lime

red slipped & burnished

hard ringing ware

grey spongy lime basalt?

red slip in and out

coarse

white slip

open bowl

G

E8

19

5

19

open bowl

G

H7

10

27

brown

20

open bowl

G

E8

19

6

brown

21

open bowl

G

E8

19

7

175

orange

22

open bowl

L

E2

6

24

150

red/buff

13

brown

113

red slip out on rim only

scraped wheel burnished

fine white lime

scraped locally

scraped

coarse

pink

18

remarks Cup or mug

much crushed lime some sand mixed lime, Ironox organic, lime, shale, black bits

burnished in and out scraped slipped

burnished in burnished in and out

outside upper half black, possibly from stacking and firing (no slip). Eggshell ware

TELL EL-MAZAR

23

open bowl

L

F2

10

6

175

24

open bowl

L

G4

16

12

180

red/ grey red/ black

25

open bowl

L

E4

2

1

165

pink

26

open bowl

L

H4

17

9

170

27

open bowl

L

H1

9

40

160

28

open bowl

L

H1

9

30

200

29

open bowl

L

H4

13

6

185

30

open bowl

L

F4

27

2

190

31 32

open bowl open bowl

L L

F3 H2

8 15

5 1

180 210

33

open bowl

L

H4

15

1

scraped dense ware white slip (?) on top and out red slipped and burnished red slip; white painted lines

grey orange/ buff pink/ buff orange black/ buff pink/ grey white orange/ grey

fine ware

grey lime and sand

dense little temper

hard, ringing ware

hollow rim all round

surface treatment

remarks

burnished out; blk painted line

blk surface inside

E5 E4

7 2

20 3

diamet er

L L

subnr

locusnr

functional group krater krater

square

nr . 34 35

area

Plate 6 – Stratum IV

340 240

colour orange pink

36

krater

L

H1

9

32

200

pink/ grey

37 38 39

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

L L L

H4 H4 H1

12 12 9

10 3 35

100 80 80

orange/ grey orange black

40 41

jar/jug jar/jug

L G

F3 H7

8 10

4 30

95 12

red pink

42 43

jar/jug jar/jug

L L

G4 F4

15 28

8 10

90

44 45 46

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

L L G

E1 H1 H7

12 9 10

6 21 28

120

47 48

jar/jug jar/jug

L L

G2 G1

9 13

10 4

85 85

orange pink red/ grey red/buff grey

orange/ grey red

114

temper chalky

hard ringing ware scum fine white lime sand

fine ware

coarse, sand and lime white lime

some sand slipped out, burnished in (neck) and out scraped

extra ridge below rim hard ringing ware

POTTERY PLATES

49 50

jar/jug jar/jug

G L

G8 H4

24 13

1 5

100 80

51 52

jar/jug jar/jug

L L

E1 H2

12 14

8 2

65 75

53

jar/jug holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar deep bowl

G

H8

12

17

60

red pink pink/ grey black pink/ grey

L

E2

6

26

155

orange

L

G4

16

6

135

L

G4

16

28

155

L

G4

15

10

145

L L

E1 H1

12 9

15 23

180 130

grey orange/ grey pink/gr ey red/ black grey

54 55 56 57 58 59

60 61

deep bowl platter

L L

H4 H2

17 14

7 11

130 170

62

open bowl

G

H7

10

43

210

pink/ grey black pink/ grey

grey lime coarse

burnished out

ridges and grooves, and groups of thin black painted lines on shoulder

fine

red slip

eggshell ware

slipped

burnish

hard ware

traces of wheel burnishing scraped in

locusnr

63

deep bowl

L

G4

16

7

180

64

deep bowl

L

H4

17

8

155

65

deep bowl

L

H1

9

34

66

deep bowl

L

E5

7

6

150

white

67

deep bowl

L

G4

16

18

135

buff

68

deep bowl

G

E8

19

4

69

deep bowl

L

E1

12

12

70

deep bowl

L

F1

12

5

200

red/buff

71

deep bowl

L

H1

9

25

165

buff

72

deep bowl

G

H7

10

19

175

black

73

deep bowl

G

H7

10

17

170

red

74

cooking pot

L

G4

16

27

210

grey

subnr

functional group

area

nr .

square

diameter

Plate 7 – Stratum IV

colour pink/ grey pink/ grey

temper

red

some sand gritty, red temper fine grey lime

orange red/ grey

115

sand, org, ironox, lime

much sand much fine lime

much sand

surface treatment

remarks

wet smooth

cooking pot?

TELL EL-MAZAR

75 76

cooking pot cooking pot

G L

H7 E2

10 6

41 27

20 200

77

cooking pot

G

H7

10

29

150

78

cooking pot

L

E4

16

2

140

79

cooking pot

L

F2

9

1

160

pink/ grey pink/ grey pink/ grey

80

cooking pot

G

E8

19

9

145

red

81

cooking pot

G

E8

19

8

165

82

cooking pot

L

G4

15

20

83

cooking pot

G

H7

10

33

84

cooking pot

G

H7

10

60

85

cooking pot

L

H1

9

5

160

86 87

cooking pot cooking pot

L L

G1 H1

16 9

1 7

180 190

red pink/ grey pink/ grey orange/ black pink/ grey black/ pink buff

88

open bowl

G

E7

517

145

2

pink

organic, shale, calcite lime, calcite

dense ware

wet smooth wet smooth

black slipped and burnished in and out

import

L

G4

8

3

diameter

unknown

subnr

1

locusnr

functional group

square

nr

area

Plate 8 – Stratum III

10

2

open bowl

G

G7

10

9

140

3 4

open bowl jar/jug

L L

E1 H1

10 6

9 7

70

5

bowl

H

A8

23

2

80

6

bowl

L

E3

19

1

80

colour

black

buff pink/ grey grey pink/ buff

temper dense ware, some organic

open bowl

H

A8

22

8

150

pink

8

open bowl

L

H2

5

5

150

buff/red 116

remarks

very smooth burnished? slipped in and out, burnished out

some sand

burnished out

orange

7

surface treatment

scraped in much sand, some lime, ironox. burnished in and out

ring base, with disc inside and deep groove grooves outside below rim

POTTERY PLATES

9 10 11

open bowl open bowl open bowl

M G L

A3 F7 E2

9 14 18

6 25 3

130 210 150

pink/ grey black orange

12

open bowl

L

E2

18

11

170

orange

13

open bowl

L

E2

18

1

145

grey

14

open bowl

L

G3

16

3

200

15

open bowl

L

G4

9

3

150

red orange/ grey

16

open bowl

L

G3

11

8

120

orange

17

open bowl

G

H7

9

16

140

pink

18

open bowl

L

F2

2

9

160

19

open bowl

L

G4

8

13

170

buff red/ black

20

open bowl

L

H1

6

27

200

grey

21

open bowl

L

H3

10

17

180

22

open bowl

L

F2

2

10

145

buff buff/ grey

23 24

open bowl open bowl

G G

G7 F8

10 12

15 12

370 200

orange pink

25

open bowl

H

A8

20

1

180

pink/gr ey

26

open bowl

G

E8

12

11

100

orange

27

open bowl

G

E8

12

17

150

28

open bowl

G

E8

12

dense ware, little, fine temper

hard ware sand and grey lime

lamp?

red slip and burnish in burnished in and out

pink slip slipped out lime, some sand

scum

slip in?

lots of sand in temper

wet smooth scraped burnished in and out

16

orange brown/ grey

burnished out

organic, lime shale, ironox

burnished in and out

29

open bowl

G

E8

12

21

135

30

open bowl

L

H2

7

3

200

red/ black

31

open bowl

H

A8

22

9

200

brown

32

open bowl

L

G4

8

11

160

brown

117

two deep grooves below rim outside

some sand

coarse lime, sand,ionox org, lime, shale, ironox crushed lime, ironox

grey/ black

2 sherds of same vessel

wet smooth

wet smooth

scraped mainly fine sand, some lime, ironox

black soot outside

identical to LH2.6/1

TELL EL-MAZAR

functional group

locusnr

subnr

33

open bowl

G

F7

14

12

190

34

open bowl

L

H4

11

13

190

35

open bowl

G

G7

9

15

36

open bowl

L

F1

7

8

area

nr.

square

diameter

Plate 9 – Stratum III

175

37

open bowl

G

F7

15

20

200

38

open bowl

G

F7

15

19

190

39

open bowl

L

G4

6

1

310

surface treatment

colour orange/ grey orange/ grey red/ grey pink/ grey

temper

pink/ grey pink/ grey

some fine white lime

red slip out

hard ware

scraped out

orange

organic, (lots), lime (fine), ironox

scum

40

open bowl

G

E8

8

3

41

open bowl

H

A8

28

10

260

42

open bowl

L

H2

11

20

200

43

open bowl

G

H7

9

21

210

pink/ grey pink/ grey

44

open bowl

L

G4

8

5

220

orange

45

open bowl

L

F4

23

3

135

pink

46

open bowl

L

H4

11

12

185

47

krater

G

E7

19

11

250

grey pink/ grey

48 49

krater krater

G H

E8 B8

8 21

2 22

260

50 51

krater krater

L L

F1 F4

7 20

5 5

190 350

52

krater

L

H3

11

10

195

brown brown pink/ grey grey orange/ grey

118

remarks

scraped burnished in and out coarse

scraped

scraped grey lime gritty, with much rounded lime, some sand

coarse ware, soft burnished in and out

possibly tripod remains of a leg

POTTERY PLATES Plate 10 – Stratum III

H2

7

16

54 55 56 57 58 59

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

L L L L L H

G2 F2 H3 E1 G4 A8

8 2 8 10 5 25

3 5 13 28 3 2

100 100 70

60 61 62 63 64 65

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

H L L L L M

A8 E1 F4 F3 H1 A3

28 10 23 7 6 9

4 16 31 4 14 14

105 100 110

66

jar/jug

G

F7

9

5

150

67 68

jar/jug jar/jug

H G

A7 E8

26 12

1 20

130 80

69 70

jar/jug jar/jug

G G

F7 F7

15 9

7 6

95 60

71

jar/jug

H

A8

28

3

75

72 73 74 75 76

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

L L L G L

H2 H4 H1 G7 G2

7 11 6 9 8

18 14 24 10 10

70 60 70 100 100

pink pink/grey pink brown red/grey

77 78

jar/jug jar/jug

L M

H3 A3

10 9

1 8

105 90

grey pink/black

79 80

jar/jug jar/jug

G G

E7 E8

19 8

12 19

110 90

orange red/grey

81

pithos

G

E8

8

20

175

pink/grey

82

jar/jug

G

F8

23

4

130

orange

83 84 85 86

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

G L L H

G8 H2 H4 A8

23 7 11 28

6 20 15 5

100 75 90 80

brown grey grey pink

diameter

L

subnr

jar/jug

locusnr

53

square

functional group

area

nr.

100 80

105

colour

temper

black

coarse

red/grey grey buff red/black grey buff pink/buff pink/grey grey grey orange/ grey red/black buff brown/ black

remarks

hard, ringing ware wet smooth

some sand very coarse much white lime

red slip

organic, shale, ironox

wet smooth

lime (coarse), org, shale

wet smooth

pink/grey orange/ organic, lime black

119

surface treatment

wet smooth

coarse

much sand

wet smooth hard ringing ware

fine dense ware, little temper lime org blk bits sand lime org blk bits ironox some white lime, much grey angular lime (or calcite)

self slip

sample to geology

none

hard ware fine w/ lime

burnished

TELL EL-MAZAR

F2

3

3

diameter

subnr

L

locusnr

functional group jar/jug

square

nr. 87

area

Plate 11 – Stratum III

colour black

temper grey angular lime grey lime fine organic temper lime, sand, ironox, org lime, sand, ironox, org fine white lime white lime

88 89

jar/jug jar/jug

G G

F7 E7

14 19

18 10

80 70

pink pink

90

jar/jug

H

A8

22

18

45

grey

91

jar/jug

G

E8

8

6

80

brown

92

jar/jug

H

A8

22

7

70

buff

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug holemouth jar holemouth jar

H G L L L L L L

A8 F7 E1 G1 E3 E1 F4 H4

23 14 10 10 19 10 23 3

4 6 18 3 3 14 9 2

70 50 50 20 100 45 70

white pink/grey pink/grey brown orange pink/buff green grey

H

A8

28

8

200

G

E8

12

10

200

buff orange/ black

G

E8

12

15

130

L

H2

11

22

180

buff/black pink/ black

L

H2

11

13

180

pink/grey

H

A8

28

9

195

buff/pink

sand

G

E8

12

18

165

orange

calcite

L

G4

8

4

185

brown

L

G4

8

7

L

H1

6

12

93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102

103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110

111 112

113 114

115

holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar holemouth jar

pithos

G

E8

8

5

L

E1

10

19

L

G1

9

12

M

A3

9

7

G

F7

14

15

surface treatment

remarks

red paint out

fine ware crumbly ware

burnished out burnished in and out

fine ware,

coarse hard ware

shale, lime, org, Ironox crushed lime, Ironox,

pink/grey

burnished out

burnished out top rim burnished

scraped

170

165

150

pink/buff pink/ black

buff/grey

coarse Ironox, org, shale, lime burn out burnished and slipped out

pink/grey

130

orange/ grey 120

ridges and grooves on shoulder

POTTERY PLATES

locusnr

subnr

diameter

colour

116

platter

L

F1

7

3

170

red/buff

117

open bowl

L

G1

10

4

200

red/buff

sand

118 119 120

deep bowl deep bowl deep bowl

L L L

H3 E2 G4

10 20 11

12 4 3

150

coarse

160

pink/grey pink pink/grey

nr.

functional group

area

square

Plate 12 – Stratum III

121 122

deep bowl deep bowl

L L

H3 G3

10 10

19 6

185 180

orange/ black orange

123 124 125 126

deep bowl deep bowl deep bowl deep bowl

G L G L

G7 H1 H7 H3

9 6 9 10

11 22 17 13

190 180 180 165

brown buff pink/grey pink

127

deep bowl

G

E8

12

13

128 129

deep bowl deep bowl

L G

G1 F7

9 14

14 21

130 131

deep bowl deep bowl

L L

H1 E1

6 10

23 17

132 133 134 135

deep bowl deep bowl deep bowl deep bowl

G L M L

G8 H2 A3 G1

16 5 9 8

4 1 12 11

160 135 145

136 137

deep bowl deep bowl

M L

A3 H2

9 12

16 1

140 160

138

deep bowl

G

H7

9

19

139 140

deep bowl deep bowl

H L

B8 F2

21 2

28 6

200

141

deep bowl cooking pot cooking pot

M

A3

9

15

210

orange grey orange/ grey

L

E1

10

26

L

H1

6

17

150

red/black orange/ grey

142 143

195

200

orange orange/ grey pink pink/ black red/black brown brown pink/grey buff orange orange orange/ grey

121

temper

surface treatment red slip & burnish

remarks

scraped

coarse ware, some sand

cooking pot? wet smooth burnished in

Ironox, lime, org

incised horizontal line

wet smooth slipped in and out

w/handle groove on body

slipped red slipped in and out scraped eggshell ware burnished out

burnished in

slip or pigment

TELL EL-MAZAR

functional group cooking pot

locusnr

subnr

diameter

L

G1

10

5

170

145

cooking pot

L

H3

10

5

146

cooking pot

G

H7

9

14

170

pink/grey

147

cooking pot

G

H7

9

15

180

148

cooking pot

G

F7

9

13

149

cooking pot

G

F7

14

4

pink/grey orange/ brown orange/ grey

area

nr. 144

square

Plate 13 – Stratum III

colour pink/grey

temper

145

cooking pot

G

F8

26

7

140

red

151

cooking pot

H

A7

26

6

120

red

sand (lots)

very much sand sand, some grey lime/calc, some ironox

152

cooking pot

H

A8

22

16

140

red

153

cooking pot

L

H2

7

21

180

red/black

much sand, inc other

154

cooking pot

L

G3

16

2

155

cooking pot

M

A3

9

19

156

unknown

G

F7

15

1

L

H2

11

7

wet smooth

white lime

sand and lime, some basalt, some ironox.

unknown

remarks

pink/grey

150

157

surface treatment

groove on top, comb deco (horizontal band, two grooves) on shoulder at the lower handle attachment

single groove on shoulder, above lower handle attachment, vertical groove on lower handle comb deco on shoulder: horizontal band two grooves at lower handle attachment

pink/buff 135

red/grey

very much sand

pink/grey

much lime

pink/grey

122

very bright red ware elongated lug handle with round top possibly holemouth. Groove on carination, and knob below it

POTTERY PLATES

functional group

locusnr

subnr

1

open bowl

G

F8

12

14

2

open bowl

G

G7

10

11

120

brown/ black

burnished in and out

3

open bowl

G

F7

14

30

180

black

burnished in and out

local black ware

scraped

disc base

area

nr.

square

diameter

Plate 14 – Stratum III complete pots

4

platter

G

E8

8

23

5

bread-mold

L

H3

8

104

colour

pink

160

black

temper

surface treatment

much white lime

dense ware, some crushed lime, ironox incidental

remarks tripod, with flat base

grey

diameter

G

subnr

open bowl

locusnr

1

functional group

square

nr.

area

Plate 15 – Stratum II

colour

E7

7

2

60

pink/grey

2

open bowl

G

E7

7

1

3

jar/jug

L

E1

4

39

4

jar/jug

G

E7

7

4

75

very coarse

pink/grey

5

open bowl

G

E8

6

26

buff/grey

6

open bowl

G

E8

6

15

grey

7

unknown

G

E7

4

2

red

8

open bowl

L

E1

6

6

pink 123

surface treatment

org, lime, shale, ironox

fine lime, ironox, organic fine white lime

remarks

wet smoothed

wet smoothed

black white/ black

40

temper coarse lime, silica, ironox, org

Imported black ware: very dense ware, hard fired.

red slip/burn out

ribbed

hole in centre of base, probably postfiring

slipped in and out burnished in and out, slipped in and out

very homogeneous

wet smoothed

Base? Shoulder?

burnish

TELL EL-MAZAR

9 10

jar/jug jar/jug

G L

F7 E1

7 6

1 7

11 12

bowl bowl

G L

E8 F1

6 2

16 4

13

unknown

G

E8

6

25

14 15

jar/jug open bowl

G H

E7 A7

7 18

16 1

16

bowl

M

A3

14

3

17 18

deep bowl jar/jug

L G

F1 G7

2 7

2 7

pink/buff buff orange/ grey pink/ black red/black

19

jar/jug

G

F7

12

8

white

20

jar/jug

G

F8

9

16

21

open bowl

G

F7

3

5

130

22

open bowl

L

F1

2

6

150

buff/pink pink/ black

23

open bowl

G

E7

7

5

200

brown

24

open bowl

G

E7

5

7

155

buff

25 26 27

open bowl open bowl open bowl

G G G

G7 F8 F8

7 9 9

20 30 36

135 125 115

28

open bowl

G

F8

9

23

170

orange pink red pink/ black

30

70

buff red

black bits, lime, sand, ironox some sand

orange pink/grey

ironox, lime

pink

ironox, lime

much fine white lime

burnished out burnished in and out scraped burnished on outisde wet smoothed

scraped

pink/buff

29 30

open bowl open bowl

G G

F7 E7

7 18

4 29

180 180

orange brown

31

open bowl

G

E7

7

7

155

buff

32

open bowl

L

H2

4

2

210

red

33

open bowl

G

F8

8

2

160

red

34

open bowl

G

E8

6

38

180

orange

124

base seems to be set in

imported? sharp pointed base, hor black painted line above base base of tall skinny juglet

burnished in and out scraped slipped, wheel burnished inside sand; lime; organic

none burnished and slipped in and out burnished none

ironox, shale, organic, lime, sand sand lime, org, silica, ironox fine white lime sand lime org shale, ironox, lime

slipped in and out

sample for geology

red surfaces in and out burnished in and out burnished in &out slipped in and out

POTTERY PLATES

functional group

locusnr

subnr

diameter

35

open bowl

L

E4

11

9

170

pink

36

open bowl

G

E7

10

2

160

buff

37

open bowl

G

E7

15

1

190

grey

38 39

open bowl open bowl

G G

E8 H8

6 610

41 17

165 190

40

open bowl

G

H8

10

13

110

orange white grey/ orange

41

open bowl

G

E7

18

30

42

open bowl

L

H3

3

6

190

grey/pink

43

open bowl

G

G7

8

29

180

grey

44

open bowl

G

E8

6

44

150

orange

45

open bowl

G

E7

16

6

180

pink

46

open bowl

G

E7

7

6

47

open bowl

H

B7

14

18

170

pink/grey orange/ buff

48

open bowl

G

H8

610

5

170

pink

49

open bowl

G

E7

10

3

160

pink

50

deep bowl

G

E7

2

11

120

pink/grey

51

deep bowl

L

E1

4

51

145

pink/grey

area

nr.

square

Plate 16 – Stratum II

colour

pink

52

open bowl

G

E8

13

10

130

black

53

open bowl

G

E7

7

9

160

black

54

open bowl

G

E8

6

56

190

buff

55

open bowl

G

E8

6

40

165

orange

56

open bowl

G

E7

7

8

170

57

open bowl

G

E8

6

53

120

temper coarse, lime sand org

org, ironox, lime

surface treatment scraped / burnished out burnished out wetsmoothed wet smooth black slip burnished in

fine, little temper dense lime, organic, sand, black parts, org, lime sand lime org red & blk parts

much fine white lime lime sand org sand lime org

crushed lime, some ironox, org

scraped red slip & burnished burnished in

slipped slipped and burnished in & out wetsmoothed burnished in and out red slipped and burnished slipped and burnished none red slip/burnih burnished in and out

burnished in and out slipped and burnished in & out

buff

sand lime org ironox, shale, lime lime, grey particles

wet smooth burnished inside

buff

sand lime org red & blk bits

wet smoothed

125

remarks

fine grained temper

rim sherd broke upon sample extraction possibly part of bowl GE7-7/1. Very dense, hard-fired ware

TELL EL-MAZAR

58

open bowl

G

G7

7

16

220

orange

59

open bowl

L

F1

2

11

145

pink/grey

60

open bowl

G

E7

5

6

135

red

ironox.

none

61

open bowl

G

E8

13

11

150

brown

coarse lime,

wet smooth

62

open bowl

G

E7

18

14

145

pink

grey lime

63

open bowl

L

E1

4

47

215

red

64

open bowl

G

F8

9

24

155

pink/grey

scum

mainly organic

s-shaped

scum

functional group

locusnr

subnr

diameter

65

open bowl

M

A1

7

15

180

66

open bowl

L

F4

13

9

area

nr.

square

Plate 17 – Stratum II

67

krater

G

E7

7

10

68

krater

G

E8

9

8

69

krater

L

G3

3

14

colour orange/ grey

temper

pink/grey

190

brown orange/ grey

lime, silica, grey parts, org, ironox shale, sand, org, ironox

G G L

E7 E8 H3

11 6 3

3 45 8

90 75 70

73 74

jar/jug jar/jug

G G

G7 E7

7 18

25 13

90 70

75

jar/jug

L

E1

4

12

80

76

jar/jug

H

A7

18

9

90

pink/grey black/ pink

77

jar/jug

G

E7

11

1

75

pink

fine white lime grog, sand, lime, org.

red/grey

sand, lime, organic

G G

E7 E7

11 5

80 81 82

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

G G H

E7 7 H8 610 A7 8

83 84

jar/jug jar/jug

G M

E8 A3

13 14

2 9

70 30

grey buff pink/grey orange/ black pink

12 3 1

95 80 70

pink/grey orange pink/grey

9 2

90 130

brown pink/grey 126

very coarse ware

wet smooth slipped out

lime, sand shale, org shale, org

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

jar/jug jar/jug

remarks

pink/grey

70 71 72

78 79

surface treatment

none wet smooth burnished in

decanter groove below rim on shoulder

lime, silica, grey particles, organic some flint coarse much sand and ironox

burnished outside none

none

wetsmoothed

wer smooth

straight, rounded top, pear profile

POTTERY PLATES

85 86 87 88

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

G L L G

E7 E4 E1 H8

16 11 4 9

3 3 45 10

115 100 105 80

grey red/black buff

89 90

jar/jug jar/jug

G G

E7 G7

7 8

11 34

110 90

pink/grey orange

91 92

jar/jug jar/jug

G G

G7 G7

8 8

16 17

40 45

orange brown

93

jar/jug

G

E8

58

55

pink/grey

94

jar/jug

G

H8

6 61 0

4

60

orange

orange/ buff

95

jar/jug

G

F8

22

1

100

96 97

jar/jug jar/jug

G G

F8 E7

8 18

3 24

70 85

grey red/black

98 99 100

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

G G G

E8 F8 E7

6 10 18

48 10 10

70 90 120

pink/grey pink/grey pink

lime, black bits

ironox, silica wet smooth wet smooth sand lime org much fine white lime

none handle on lower ridge burnished inside and outside

sand lime org ironox ironox, shale, lime

none

pebble visible in temper

wet smooth scum

locusnr

subnr

diameter

101

pithos

G

G7

8

66

280

102

jar/jug holemouth jar holemouth jar

L

E5

16

2

25

G

G7

8

69

220

G

F8

9

33

175

pink/grey orange/ grey pink/ black

pithos holemouth jar

L

E3

8

16

190

buff

G

F7

3

8

200

brown

nr.

103 104 105 106

functional group

area

square

Plate 18 – Stratum II

107

platter

G

E7

11

8

180

108

platter

M

A3

14

4

190

colour

temper

surface treatment

grey

red orange/g rey

109

platter

G

F7

7

5

100

orange

110

platter

G

E8

9

4

150

orange

127

some fine white lime

remarks very large storage jar, poss MB II (Herr, pers.com)

white slipped, burnished out top rim scraped

extra groove below rim

slipped and burnished in & out

groove on inside of rim

grey lime, angular lime, shale, organic sand lime org

burnished in ironox. lime, sand, organic lime, ironox.

burnished in and out burnished in and out

TELL EL-MAZAR

111

deep bowl

G

E7

5

12

130

pink/grey

112

deep bowl

G

E7

15

3

145

113

deep bowl

L

E2

13

16

180

red/black orange/g rey

114 115 116

deep bowl deep bowl deep bowl

G L L

E7 E1 F4

10 4 13

1 40 8

120 130 160

buff red buff

117 118

deep bowl deep bowl

H L

B7 G3

14 2

21 7

130 135

brown pink/buff

119

deep bowl

M

A3

12

2

120

pink/grey

120

deep bowl

H

B8

5

9

150

buff

121

deep bowl

G

E8

6

50

150

buff/grey

122

deep bowl

H

B8

19

11

60

123

deep bowl

G

E8

6

57

110

pink/grey

124

deep bowl

G

E8

6

59

150

pink/grey

125

deep bowl

G

E7

2

9

sand lime org organic, lime

sand lime org black parts much sand coarse

burnished out

incised horizontal lines very much sand

cooking pot? wet smoothed

black bits, shale, lime wet smoothed

grey

red/grey

none white slip or scum

sand lime org sand lime org sand, ironox, some grey lime

none

none

functional group

locusnr

subnr

diameter

126 127

deep bowl deep bowl

L G

E1 F8

6 9

12 26

200 200

red/black pink/grey

128 129 130 131 132 133 134

deep bowl open bowl deep bowl cooking pot cooking pot cooking pot cooking pot

G G G G L G G

F8 F8 F8 G7 G3 E7 E7

9 9 10 8 3 2 5

37 38 11 39 8 7 5

185 180 130 200 270 180 175

buff/grey buff/grey buff red/black brown grey pink/buff

135 136 137 138 139

cooking pot cooking pot cooking pot cooking pot cooking pot

G M L G L

E7 A3 F4 G7 H2

15 8 14 8 3

4 11 3 37 3

140

cooking pot

G

E8

6

141

cooking pot

G

E8

6

area

nr.

square

Plate 19 – Stratum II

colour

145

red/black pink/grey pink/grey red grey

47

150

red

60

135

red/grey

185 150

128

temper sand & lime

surface treatment

remarks

selfslip burnished in/out

calcite calcite calcite, lime

wet smooth wet smooth none none none

wet smooth sand (lots), lime, shale sand lime org

wet smooth none

extra groove

western type

POTTERY PLATES

142

143 144

145 146

cooking pot

cooking pot cooking pot

cooking pot cooking pot

G

G L

M G

G7

G7 E3

A1 E7

8

8 6

7 18

64

73 5

7 39

147

cooking pot

G

E8

9

6

148 149

open bowl pithos

G G

E8 G7

13 8

2 46

160

red

150 145

red brown

165 170

orange/ grey pink/grey

double groove on shoulder at lower attachment handle.

much sand much sand, some lime, grey calcite, some ironox

double groove on body just above lower attachment handle

much sand, some lime, org, ironox

180

red

calcite, lime, ironox, org

160

brown pink/grey

mixed lime and ironox. white lime

wet smooth slipped in and out, burnished

hellenistic?

locusnr

subnr

diameter

L

E3

3

20

120

pink/grey

scraped

2

open bowl

L

E3

3

30

100

pink/grey

black paint / slip

3

open bowl

L

E3

3

24

130

black

fine lime temper

scraped

eggshell ware local black ware

4

open bowl

L

E3

3

86

230

black

some fine white lime

scraped

(local) black ware

5

open bowl

L

E3

3

88

190

black

scraped

(local) black ware

6 7

open bowl jar/jug

L L

E3 E3

3 3

91 118

175 75

8 9 10

jar/jug jar/jug jar/jug

L L L

E3 E3 E3

3 3 3

18 37 60

120

pink pink pink/bro wn pink/grey pink

11

open bowl

L

E3

3

106

120

pink

12 13

jar/jug jar/jug

L L

E3 E3

3 3

57 102

120 100

brown black

14

platter

L

E3

3

25

180

buff

nr.

area

1

functional group holemouth jar

square

Plate 20 – Pit LE3/3

90

colour

129

temper

surface treatment

remarks

some fine white lime

coarse

groove on rim

fine white lime some calcite

cooking pot? scraped

much black lime

burnished

red paint top rim

TELL EL-MAZAR

functional group

locusnr

subnr

diameter

1

open bowl

G

E7

1

5

140

black/ grey

fine grained

2

open bowl

Q

A2

12

4

135

red

fine

area

nr.

square

Plate 21 – unstratified pottery

colour

3

deep bowl

G

G7

6

17

90

4

open bowl

G

F8

5

14

120

buff/grey

5

open bowl

H

B7

2

4

80

orange/ grey

6

7

open bowl

open bowl

L

M

G2

C8

7

4

27

9

180

250

grey/buff

L

F4

16

23

480

9

jar/jug

H

B7

16

4

80

black brown/ grey

10

jar/jug

H

B7

11

3

90

orange/ grey

11

jar/jug

G

G7

4

6

12

jar/jug

M

A1

5

2

50

orange/ grey

13

jar/jug

Q

A1

11

10

90

pink

14 15

16

17

platter

platter

sand lime org

hard ringing ware

black/ pink

krater

surface treatment burnished in and out

burnished in and out and painted out

orange

8

holemouth jar holemouth jar

temper

burnished out slipped and burnished in and out

remarks imported black ware thin ware painted horizontal lines (brown, white, brown) and crowstep design. white painted band below carination black band below white band (ammonite0

scraped

scum under paint coarse, much organic

red lines on top rim. Rim is locally pushed down enormous basin

wet smooth extra grooves on edge of rim

buff

wet smooth

grey lime

scraped out

sample for us fine hard ware. Handle attached to rim and extending high above rim.

burnished in and out, painted out`

new type

G

G8

11

2

130

orange/ black

H

C1

7

28

180

pink/grey

lime,ironox, organic, sand much organic

red

fine mixed temper

scraped

thin red ware, almost nabataean

buff

crushed lime, some ironox

burnished & slipped inside

ridge 1 cm from edge of rim

L

G

E3

H7

12

5

15

4

195

165

130

POTTERY PLATES

18 19

platter deep bowl

G L

H8 F2

3 4

5 4

300 190

20 21 22 23

deep bowl deep bowl deep bowl open bowl

L Q P M

E3 C3 H3 B8

5 2 25 10

9 7 4 3

150 220 210

brown/ red pink orange/ grey brown white grey/buff

burnished out

platter; ledge handle (compare to Franken mensif platter)

some sand burnished in and out scum some sand

functional group deep bowl

locusnr

subnr

diameter

L

E5

5

2

250

colour brown

25

deep bowl

G

F8

4

6

185

buff/grey

26

cooking pot

L

E3

2

8

180

pink/grey

27 28 29

cooking pot cooking pot cooking pot

P Q P

H3 A1 H3

17 9 42

14 10 1

195 210 230

red/black red/black red/black

30

cooking pot

P

H3

42

2

260

31

cooking pot

L

E3

13

35

175

32

cooking pot

L

G5

13

11

170

red/black orange/ black brown/ grey

area

nr. 24

square

Plate 22 – unstratified pottery

temper dense ware lime sand org

open bowl

G

E8

1

14

120

buff

34

open bowl

Q

A1

34

3

165

buff/pink

sand

35 36

open bowl krater

Q M

A1 B8

8 16

28 16

130 265

37

pithos

H

B7

13

33

180

38

pithos

G

G7

6

11

170

pink/grey buff/grey orange/ grey orange/ black

39

pithos

H

A8

14

1

40

platter

L

E4

7

17

41 42

cooking pot cooking pot

P Q

H2 C3

54 3

2 20

170 185

red/black pink/grey

43

cooking pot

L

E4

7

38

150

pink/grey

P

H3

31

1

white 131

burnished scraped

disc base with large section of intact rim vertical bar handle bar handle with vertical side bars on rim

wet smooth

collared rim jar?

pink/grey orange/ grey

260

grooves below neck

much sand

33

krater

none

remarks

possibly IA I possibly IA I

org, lime, sand, ironox

44

surface treatment

burnish in IA I cooking pot IA I cooking pot

some sand

see remarks

black lines on top rim and vertical lines on shoulder

TELL EL-MAZAR

subnr

locusnr

square

functional group

diameter

nr.

area

Plate 23 – decorated pottery

colour

temper

surface treatment

remarks

2 red horizontal painted lines on scum layer. paint and burnish out

a b

unknown jar/jug

L G

H2 H7

7 8

11 4

c

jar/jug

Q

A3

11

8

pattern painted red lines

d

jar/jug

Q

A1

2

5

red painted pattern outside.

P

H2

54

3

red/black

P

H4

12

2

red

pattern painted on white slip layer

H

B7

13

42

buff

slipped and painted, ledge handle

e

f

jar/jug

g

h

buff-gbuff

H

A8

20

12

i

H

A7

19

2

pink/grey

j

L

E4

10

2

buff

G

E8

4

7

k

l

jar/jug

16

pink/grey buff

jar/jug

jar/jug

Q

C3

2

pink

lime, grey particles, organic

G

E7

1

8

buff

n

G

G7

7

22

buff

L

H1

2

6

p

deep bowl

G

G7

6

17

q

bowl

G

E7

25

r

figurine

unstr.

grey lime some fine grey lime

grey angular lime

m

open bowl

much fine black rounded lime

pattern painted w/ red lines.

white band black lines on red slip. bichrome paint bi-chrome paint burnished and painted in red, bluish and black

10

o

coarse

buff-buffbuff

90

orange red

132

fine black grits

series of thin red painted lines, slipped and burnished, painted black band with horizontal rows of white dots, on red slipped surface. slipped. possibly animal-shaped vessel (ritual), red slipped out with white and painted black stipes. slipped, burnished and painted, crowstep pattern burnished in and out; painted horizontal lines (brown, white, brown) and brown crowstep pattern painted crow-step pattern. See pottery Cat. P003 horse-andrider. See painted Cat.F001

Tell el-Mazar Catalogue Complete Pottery

TELL EL-MAZAR

Catalogue of complete pottery from the main tell

Cat. P001 Stratum V (LG5/11). (Fig. 46) Diameter 156mm. Open bowl with unprofiled, flaring rim. Ware pink, traces of red paint.

Cat. P005 Stratum V (LH2/14) Height 142mm; max. width 90mm; rim diam. 85mm. Beaker, ovoid, with long, flaring neck with pointed rim. Thin walled. Two were found in this locus, one of which was broken. An almost identical beaker was found in the Mazar cemetery (Yassine 1984:67-68; fig. 3:6,46:6). Ware red, burnished. Judging from the quality of the ware (coarse lime and grog temper), this is probably an Assyrian imitation.

Cat. P002 Stratum V (LF5/8). (Fig. 51) Diameter 254mm. Wide open bowl, flaring flattened rim. Ware red. (Wheel?) burnished inside and on rim. Cat. P003 Stratum V (GE7/25). (Plate 23q) Height 87mm. Thin-walled bowl, possible Assyrian import or imitation. Fine red ware. Ringburnished. Highly decorated with black lines bordering a white band with a crowstep pattern. Two more sherds were found with a crowstep pattern in black paint (fig. xx, xx). Crowstep pattern is rare, but has been found in Hesban and Umeiri (Herr 1989 fig. 19.11:21).

Cat. P006 Stratum V (LE1/19) Height 197mm; max. width 105mm; rim diam. 48mm. Juglet. Cylindrical body, rounded base. High loop handle attached to rim. Flaring rim. Ware black (burnt?), lime temper.

Cat. P004 Stratum V (GE8/24) Height 220mm, max. width 135mm, rim diameter 48mm. Strainer jug of Judean IA IIC type. Bagshaped body. Spout broken off, but straining holes visible in side. Loop handle broken off. Slightly flaring folded rim, with a ridge on the neck. Burnished. Two groups of black lines on body. On the neck above the spout is a plastic decoration of a female head with long loose hair, resembling the heads of contemporary Astarte figurines, which gave this jug the name 'Astarte jug'. The hairstyle and the large eyes compare figurines found in Amman (a figurine mould: Dornemann 1983 fig. 88:2, and in Umeiri: Dabrowski 2000:219 fig. 9.6, dated to the 8th7th century), although our head is more naturalistic. Ware: black, buff slip or selfslip. A chalice with what may have been an Astarte head was found in Umeiri (Herr; M. Vincent, pers. comm.).

Cat. P007 Stratum V (LF3/13) (Fig. 56) Height 155mm; max. width 115mm; rim diam. 43mm. Handmade juglet. Globular body and flaring, triangular rim. Heavy loop handle attached to rim. Ware red, coarse.

134

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P013 Stratum IV (GY7/10) Preserved height: 59mm; max. width 73mm. Pyxis, possibly for precious oil or ointment. Body conical, base flat. Neck and rim missing.

Cat. P008 Stratum V (LE1/19) Preserved height: 110mm; max. width 71mm. Juglet, cylindrical body, flat base. Neck and rim missing. Surface burnished in vertical strokes. Ware red/black.

Cat. P014 Stratum IV (LG4/16) Height 132mm; max. width 72mm. Juglet, round base, cylindrical body. Rim partly missing. Ware pink

Cat. P009 Stratum V (LG5/floor 101). (Fig. 70) Height 200mm; max. width 299 mm; rim diam. 207mm. Cooking pot. Globular body, round base,Two loop handles. Ware red, temper calcite. This is a large specimen of a type of cooking pot that is normally much smaller (type 4)

Cat. P010 Stratum V (LE1/20) Height 203mm; max. width 210mm; rim diam. 98mm. Cooking jar, with high neck and rim. Ridge below the rim. Two ribbon handles. Ware red. Judean IA II cooking jar.

Cat. P015 Stratum III (GF8/12) (Fig. 47) Max. width 255mm. Ammonite bowl (type 7). Ware red. Wheel burnished inside. Cat. P016 Stratum III (LH1/7) Max. width 193mm. Ammonite bowl (type 7). Ware red, pink slip or selfslip.

Cat. P011 Stratum V (LE1/19) Height 197mm; max. width 199mm; rim diam. 95mm. Cooking jar, with high neck and rim. Ridge below the rim. Two ribbon handles. Ware grey/pink. Judean IA II cooking jar

Cat. P017 Stratum III (HA8/22) Max. width 112mm. Small bowl with square rim, top flattened. Ware red. Remains of red burnished slip. IA IIC. Cat. P018 Stratum III (LH3/6) Diam. 231mm. Thick-walled open bowl (type 10), tripod. Ware pink, inside blackened.

Cat. P012 Stratum IV (LE5/7) (Fig. 59) Height 215mm; max. width 200mm. Rim diam. 103mm. Jar with a globular body and two loop handles. Round base. No neck, flaring rim set directly on body. Ware red, coarse, lime temper.

135

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. P019 Stratum III (HA8/22) Diam. 211mm. Thick-walled open bowl (type 10), tripod. Ware grey/red, pink selfslip. Traces of wear inside bowl.

Cat. P026 Stratum III (HA8/22) Diam. 149mm. Platter. Carinated rim (type 2), flattened out. Ware red. Traces of burnishing on rim.

Cat. P027 Stratum III (HA8/22) Diam 150mm. Platter, simple rim (type 1), flaring. Ware pink. Traces of burnishing.

Cat. P020 Stratum III (HA8/22) Diam. 224mm. Thick walled tripod bowl. Rim sharply inverted and bevelled out. Ridges outside below rim (type 10). Ware red, pink selfslip.

Cat. P028 Stratum III (HA8/22) Diam. 135 mm. Platter, simple rim (type 1), straight. Ware red. Traces of burnishing.

Cat. P021 Stratum III (GF8/26) Diam. 244mm. Thick-walled tripod bowl. Rim inverted and flattened, groove outside below rim. Ware grey/pink. Traces of wear inside bowl.

Cat. P029 Stratum III (HA8/22) Preserved height 169mm; max. width 105mm. Jar, bagshaped body, ring base. Handle broken off. Neck and rim missing. Ware pink.

Cat. P022 Stratum III (GF8/12) (Fig. 53) Diam. 213mm. Thick-walled tripod bowl. Rim inverted and flattened, groove below rim outside. Ware pink, coarse. Cat. P023 Stratum III (LH1/7) (Fig. 67) Height 150mm, max. width 244; rim diam. 211mm. Globular bowl with carinated upright unprofiled rim. Ware red. Traces of burnishing outside and on rim.

Cat. P024 Stratum III (LH2/7) Height 61mm, max. width 93mm, rim diam. 74mm. Small cup, biconical body with upright, unprofiled rim. Ware thick, brown. One loop handle. Typical Ammonite late IA II/Pers.

Cat. P030 Stratum III (HA8/22) (Fig. 60) Height 256mm; max. width 143mm, rim diam.54mm. Jug, bag-shaped body with ring base, square shoulder, narrow neck and folded flaring rim Loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck (type 7). Ware buff.

Cat. P025 Stratum III (HA8/22) (Fig. 66) Diam. 185mm. Platter with carinated rim (Type 2). Ware red. Traces of burnishing on rim and face.

136

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P031 Stratum III (HA8/22) Preserved height 197mm; max. width 152mm. Storage jar, bag-shaped body with ring base and square shoulder. Neck and rim missing. Ware pink, traces of slip.

Cat. P035 Stratum III (GF8/12) Preserved height 114mm; max. width 77mm. Rim missing. Juglet, bagshaped body with ring (or disc) base. Ware pink.

Cat. P032 Stratum III (HA8/22) Preserved height 184mm; max. width 121mm; neck and rim largely missing. Bag-shaped storage jar, one loop handle. Ware buff. Traces of burnishing.

Cat. P036 Stratum III (HA8/22) (Fig. 61) Height 137mm; max. width 82mm; rim diam. 45mm. Juglet. Bag-shaped body with ring (or disc) base. Flaring rim with extra ridge below on neck (Type 7). Ware pink. Cat. P037 Stratum III (HA8/22) Height 192mm; max. width 85mm; rim diam. 46mm. Tall narrow juglet with bagshaped body and ring (or disc) base. Handle broken off. Long neck and flaring rim (type 3). Ware grey/pink. Traces of burnishing.

Cat. P033 Stratum III (HA8/22) Height 312mm; max. width 171mm; rim diam. 67mm. Storage jar, ovoid body with ring base. One loop handle attached to neck. Straight neck with flaring rim and ridges below the rim (type 7). Ware buff with pink selfslip.

Cat. P038 Stratum III (HA8/22) Height 175mm; max. width 99mm; rim diam. 42mm. Juglet, bag-shaped body with ring (or disc) base. Flaring rim with extra ridge on neck (type7) at handle attachment. Ware grey with traces of pink slip.

Cat. P034 Stratum III (HA8/22) (Fig. 58) Height 280mm; max. width 176mm; rim diam. 84mm. Jar, ovoid body, long inverted neck with slightly flaring rim (type 3). Ring base. One loop handle. Ware pink.

137

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. P039 Stratum III (LH2/12) Height 138mm; max. width 71mm; rim diam. 43mm. Juglet, cylindrical body with rounded base. Rim flaring. Ware black with coarse lime temper

Cat. P042 Stratum III (LH1/7) Height 130mm; max. width 65mm; rim missing. Elongated juglet with cylindrical body and rounded base. Handle broken off, but probably high loop handle attached to rim. Ware grey/pink with coarse temper.

Cat. P040 Stratum III (HA8/22) Height 204mm; max. width 109mm; rim diam. 67mm. Large juglet, cylindrical body with rounded base. Rim flaring. Ware pink with course lime/sand temper

Cat. P043 Stratum III (HA8/22) Height 174mm; max. width 103mm; rim diam. 51mm. Juglet, cylindrical body with rounded base. Flaring rim with spout. Ware pink.

Cat P044 Stratum III (GG8/16) Height 124mm; max. width 65mm; rim diam. 42mm. Juglet, cylindrical body with rounded base. Flaring rim with high loop handle attached to the rim. Ware buff.

Cat. P041 Stratum III (LH2/7) Height 125mm; max. width 64mm; rim partly missing. Juglet with cylindrical body, rounded base. High loop handle attached to rim. Ware buff.

138

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P050 Stratum III (GE7/20) (Fig. 63) Height 199mm. Max. .width 82mm. Rim diam. 25mm. Carrot juglet. Ware grey. Group of three black lines on shoulder. Imported?

Cat. P045 Stratum III (HA8/22) Height 145mm; max. width 66mm; rim missing. Elongated juglet, cylindrical body, rounded base. Ware pink.

Cat P051 Stratum III (GF8/13) Height 175mm; max. width 42mm; rim diam 19mm. Carrot juglet. Ware pink. Burnished and decorated with three black double lines on body and shoulder.

Cat. P046 Stratum III (LG4/3) Preserved height 79mm; max. width 52mm; rim diam. 32mm. Small amphoriskos, probably for precious oil. Ware grey/red. Traces of painted decoration on neck. Parallel in Mazar cemetery (Yassine 1984:72, fig. 4:9, 47:24).

Cat. P052 Stratum III (GF8/12) Height 77mm; max. width 47mm; rim diam. 26mm. Small, handmade cylindrical juglet with round base and loop handle. Flaring rim. Strainer and spout on upper part of body. Ware pink.

Cat. P047 Stratum III (GG7/11) (Fig. 62) Height 236mm; max. width 61mm; rim missing. Carrot juglet. Ware buff. Burnished and decorated with groups of black lines on body and shoulder.

Cat. P053 Stratum III (HA8/22) Height 192mm; max. width 270mm; rim diam. 124mm. Cooking pot. Biconical body, two loop handles. Rim square, double groove on shoulder (type 3). Ware red.

Cat. P048 Stratum III (GF7/9) Preserved height 183mm. max. width 39mm. Rim missing. Carrot juglet. Ware pink. Burnished, with groups of black lines on body, shoulder and neck.

Cat. P054 Stratum III (GH8/11) Diam. base 126mm, diam. top 95mm. Potstand. Flaring base, flaring top. Ware buff.

Cat. P049 Stratum III (GF8/13) Height 173mm. Max. width 46mm; rim diam. 17mm. Carrot juglet. Ware red, burnished with groups of black lines on body, shoulder and neck.

139

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. P055 Stratum III/IV (LA1/4) Diam. 130mm. Saucer with three prongs. Rim inverted. Ware grey.

Cat. P060 Stratum II (HG8/6) Height 251mm; max. width 148mm; rim diam. 47mm. Jug, bag-shaped body, ring base. Square shoulder. Loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Flaring rim (type 7). Ware pink.

Cat. P056 Stratum II (GH8/10) (Fig. 50) Max. width 130mm; rim diam. 122mm. Thinwalled open bowl. Rounded profile. Rim straight and pointed. Grooves outside below rim. Ware red.

Cat. P057 Stratum II (GH8/10) Diam. 141. Platter, straight flaring unprofiled rim, squared outside. Shallow groove marks the rim. Ware pink, part blackened.

Cat. P061 Stratum II (GH8/10) Height 217mm; max. width 115mm; rim diam. 44mm. Jug, bag-shaped body with ring base. Square shoulder. Flat loop handle attached with ridge on neck. Flaring rim. Ware grey.

Cat. P058 Stratum II (GH8/10) Max. width 142mm; rim diam. 124mm. Platter or shallow bowl. Rim inverted and folded out, with a groove on the top. Probably late Persian or Hellenistic. Comp. Gezer (Gitin 1990 pl 31:5) or Amman (Greene & Amr

Cat. P062 Stratum II (GH8/6-10) Height 223mm; max. width 117mm; rim diam. 48mm. Jug, bag-shaped body with ring base. Square shoulder. Loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Flaring rim (type 7). Ware pink, traces of slip.

1992 fig.4:7).

Cat. P059 Stratum II (MA1/13) Height 309mm; max. width 190mm; rim diam. 52mm. Cylindrical jug, with ring base and one loop handle. Square shoulder. Rim flaring, ridge on neck where the handle is attached. Ware buff.

140

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P067 Stratum II (HB7/18) Height 70mm; max. width 58mm; rim diam. 22mm. Handmade juglet, globular body with rounded base. Loop handle attached to rim. Rim flaring. Ware buff, coarse.

Cat. P063 Stratum II (GH8/6-10) Height 184mm; max. width 80mm; rim diam. 43mm; Juglet, bag-shaped body, ring base. High neck. Rim flaring horizontally, top flattened. Loop handle. Ware red. Traces of red slip and burnishing on top rim and body.

Cat. P068 Stratum II (GF8/11) Preserved height 135mm; max. width 48mm. Rim missing. Carrot juglet. Ware pink, groups of black painted lines on body and shoulder.

Cat. P064 Stratum II (GF7/7) Preserved height 131mm; max. width 96mm. Juglet. Bag-shaped body with ring base. Square shoulder. High loop handle attached to neck with an extra ridge on the neck. Ware pink.

Cat. P069 Stratum II (GF8/11) Preserved height 239mm; max. width 55mm; rim missing. Carrot juglet. Ware pink. Traces of black painted lines on body and shoulder.

Cat. P065 Stratum II (HA8/21) Preserved height 91mm; max. width 77mm. Juglet, globular body, narrow straight neck, rim missing. Loop handle broken off. Ware red, coarse lime temper.

Cat. P070 Stratum II (GH8/6-10) Height 195mm; max. width 74mm; rim diam. 19mm. Carrot juglet. Ware pink. Groups of black painted lines on body, shoulder and rim.

Cat. P066 Stratum II (GH8/6-10) Height 127mm; max. width 79mm. Rim diam. 24mm. Juglet, with ovoid body, round base. Long neck with flaring rim and ridge on then neck. Loop handle broken off. Ware buff/red.

Cat. P071 Stratum II (GH8/6-10) Preserved height 144mm; rim diam. 65mm; Jar neck and rim. Rim straight, unprofiled. Neck decorated with a ring of semi-circular lugs. Ware red.

141

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. P072 Stratum I (GG8/10) Rim diam. 100mm; Open bowl, body rounded, rim inverted with a deep groove on the top. Ware red, burnished.

Cat. P078 Stratum I (HA7/7) Height 327mm; max. width 244mm; rim diam. 55mm. Pilgrim's flask. Handles attached to neck. Rim flaring. Ware buff with lime temper.

Cat. P073 Stratum I (HA7/7) Rim diam. 242mm. Wide bowl with straight walls and rim. Shallow groove below rim outside. Ware buff w. dark grey temper (flint?).

Cat. P079 Stratum I (HA7/7) Max. width 136mm; rim diam. 87mm. Jar, globular body with flaring rim directly on body. Possible traces of paint on upper body. Ware buff, coarse

Cat. P074 Stratum I (HA8/13) (Fig. 52) Rim diam. 113mm; open bowl/vase. Conical shape with flaring rim. Ware pink.

Cat. P075 Stratum I (GH8/8-10) Max. width 110mm; rim diam. 103mm. Thin-walled bowl, with rounded body and flaring rim (type 5). Ware red, burnished.

Cat. P080 Stratum I (MA2/8) Preserved height 158mm; max. width 105mm; rim missing. Jar, bag-shaped body on ring (or disc) base. Ware grey/pink, wheelburnished.

Cat. P076 Stratum I (GH8/8-10) (Fig. 68) Max. width 107mm; rim diam. 99mm. Thinwalled bowl, with rounded body and flaring rim (type 5) Ware red. Poss. traces of burnishing. Cat. P077 Stratum I (HA7/1) Diam. 142mm; platter. Simple rim, squared. Ware red, blackened inside.

Cat. P081 Stratum I (HA8/11) Height 203mm; max. width 148mm; rim diam. 45mm. Jar, bag-shaped body on ring or disc base, handle attached to neck; tapering neck with flaring rim. Ware pink with coarse black/grey temper (flint?)

142

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P086 Stratum I (HA7/7) Height 95mm; max. width 55mm; rim diam. 27mm. Handmade juglet. Ovoid body with ring base, flaring rim. Handle attached to rim. Ware black, coarse.

Cat. P082 Stratum I (HA8/13) Preserved height 129mm; max. width 95mm; rim missing. Jar, bag-shaped body on ring or disc base. Square shoulder. Handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Ware red.

Cat. P087 Unstr. (LH1 south baulk) Rim diam. 182mm; Wide open bowl, carinated, wide flaring rim. Seems to best resemble metal prototypes (e.g. Yassine 1984 pl 7.5; 50.50). Ware brown/black, burnished.

Cat. P083 Stratum I (MA2/8) Preserved height 169mm; max. width 115mm; rim missing. Jar, ovoid body on ring or disc base. Two loop handles broken off. Groups of painted lines on body. Ware grey/red, coarse lime temper.

Cat. P088 Unstr (PH3/15) Rim diam. 232mm. Wide open bowl. Rim slightly flaring, with ridge below rim on outside. Ware pink.

Cat. P084 Stratum I (HA7/7) Height 227mm; max. width 147mm; rim diam. 58mm. Jar, conical body with broad flat base. Neck straight, rim unprofiled. Handle attached to rim. Ware pink.

Cat. P089 Unstr. Rim diam. 217mm. Wide open bowl. Carinated. Rim inverted, flattened. Poss. parallel pl 5:27. Ware orange, lime temper.

Cat. P090 Unstr. Rim diam. 177mm. Open bowl, rim inverted, flattened top and shallow groove below the rim outside (type 4). Ware pink.

Cat. P085 Stratum I (GF8/5) Preserved height 126mm; max. width 77mm; rim missing. Bag-shaped body, rounded base. Square shoulder. Remains of spout below shoulder. Remains of loop handle. Ware pink. Traces of poss. red slip and burnishing.

143

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. P091 Unstr. (QB1/6) Max width 124mm; rim diam. 118mm. Open bowl, carinated. Straight wall and rim, bone bar handle on side. Ware red, pink selfslip.

Cat. P097 Unstr. (HA8) Diam 178mm. Platter. Rim standing up and everted, groove on top. Remains of black paint. Decoration of black painted concentric circles in centre of platter. Hellenistic or early Roman.

Cat. P092 Unstr. (QA3/22) (Fig. 49) Height 96mm; max. width 162mm; rim diam. 155mm. Open bowl, carinated. Ring base. Series of black painted bands on outside, parallel lines on top rim. Ware pink.

Cat. P098 Unstr. (GH8 – baulk) Rim diam. 215mm. Platter. Rim inverted and folded out, with a groove on top. Ware pink, red slipped and burnished.

Cat. P093 Unstr. (HD2/1) Max width 112mm; rim diam. 104mm. Bowl, inverted rim, bevelled, with ridge outside below rim. Four lug handles on rim. Ware black.

Cat. P099 Unstr. (QA7/17) Height 38mm; rim diam. 62mm. Handmade small bowl, rounded base, straight sides and rim. Ware pink, coarse.

Cat. P094 Unstr. (HD2/1) Diam. 223mm. Tripod bowl (type 10) Ware orange, coarse temper.

Cat. P100 Unstr. (MA1/11) Max width 144; rim missing. Jug, bag-shaped body, square shoulder. Loop handle attached to rim. Most of neck/rim missing. Double groove on shoulder. Ware grey.

Cat. P095 Unstr. (QA1/18) Height 195mm; rim diam. 228mm. Chalice. Several ridges on stem. Bowl concave, simple rim, bevelled. Ware red, lime temper.

Cat. P101 Unstr. (HA7/22) Preserved height 195mm; max width 125mm; rim missing. Bag-shaped body with ring base. Squared shoulder; loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Ware buff with pink self-slip

Cat. P096 Unstr. (PH3/34) Preserved height 97mm; Pedestal, part of chalice. Flaring ring base. Ware red with pink selfslip.

144

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P102 Unstr. Preserved height 281mm; max width 187mm; rim missing. Bag-shaped body on ring base, squared shoulder. Loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Ware buff. Possible traces of black painted bands on body.

Cat. P105 Unstr. (PH3/34) Height 365mm; max width 277mm; rim diam. 91mm. Jar, biconical body with ring base. Short neck, folded-out rim, loop handle attached to rim. Ware red with lime temper, pink selfslip.

Cat. P106 Unstr. Height 200mm; max width 152mm; rim diam. 41mm. Cylindrical body on ring or disc base. Square shoulder. Tapering neck, folded-out rim. Loop handle attached on transition shoulder-neck, with extra ridge. Ware black.

Cat. P103 Unstr. Preserved height 271mm; max width 167mm; rim missing. Bag-shaped body on ring base; squared shoulder. Loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Ware buff with traces of pink slip or selfslip.

Cat. P107 Unstr. (QA2/8-9) Height 170mm; max width 172mm; rim diam. 89mm; Wide biconical jug, flaring upturned rim on short neck (type 1). Ware red. Poss. Cooking jar (base is blackened). comp Madaba tomb Piccirillo 1975 54:4

Cat. P104 Unstr. (QA2/2) Height 270mm; max width138mm; rim diam. 50mm. Jar, bag-shaped body with ring or disc base. Squared shoulder, long narrow neck, flaring, foldedout rim. Loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Ware buff with traces of burnishing.

Cat. P108 Unstr. (LH1 south baulk) Preserved height 113mm; max width 105mm; neck and rim missing. Jar/jug. Ovoid body. Groups of black painted lines on body. Traces of burnishing.

145

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. P109 Unstr. (PH3/27) Height 347mm; max width 264mm; rim diam. 92mm. Jar, ovoid body, rounded base. Two loop handles attached to body. Short neck, slightly flaring upturned rim (type 1) with two shallow grooves on rim. Ware pink, groups of red/brown painted lines on body, neck and rim.

Cat. P114 Unstr. Height 295mm; max width 136mm; rim diam. 98mm. High jar, ovoid body with pointed base; wide neck, folded out rim. Ware red, poss. traces of burnishing. Late Assyrian jar or imitation. Several found in Mazar cemetery (Yassine 1984:74 and pl. 5:1-3)

Cat. P110 Unstr. (PH2 floor 101) Height 325mm; max width 178mm; rim diam. 72mm. Storage jar. Ovoid body with rounded base. Tapering neck with flaring rim. Ware buff. Groove on shoulder.

Cat. P115 Unstr. (QA2/7) Height 262mm; max width 184mm; rim diam 82mm. Handmade jug, ovoid body with ring base. Neck and rim straight. Loop handle attached to rim. Ware pink.

Cat. P112 Unstr. (QA2/10) (Fig. 57) Preserved height 266mm; max width 203mm; rim diam. 80mm. Storage jar. Ovoid body, straight neck. Rim folded out with extra ridge (type 2). Loop handle on body. Ware red-black with pink self-slip.

Cat. P116 Unstr. (PH1/63) Fragment of EB I (ProtoUrban B) jar. Globular body with long slender neck. Ware red, pink selfslip. Line-group painted pattern on body (Suzanne Richard, pers. comm)

Cat. P113 Unstr. Height 311mm; max width 140mm; rim diam. 103mm. High jar, ovoid body with pointed base; wide neck, folded out rim. Ware red. Late Assyrian jar or imitation.

Cat. P117 Unstr. Height 167mm; max width 132mm; rim diam. 35mm. Small jug, globular body on ring base. Straight neck with folded-out rim. High loop handle attached to neck. Ware orange with red painted lines on upper body and traces of red paint on neck and rim.

146

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P118 Unstr. (Fig. 55) Height 231mm; max width 148mm. Rim diam. 62mm. Ovoid body with ring base. Tapering neck, flaring, upturned rim (type 1). Loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Traces of red paint on body and neck.

Cat. P122 Unstr. Height 177mm; max width126mm; rim diam. 45mm. Globular jar, rounded base. Flaring rim. Two pierced lug handles on upper body. Ware red.

Cat. P119 Unstr. Height 219mm; max width 168mm; rim diam. 45mm. Jug, Globular body, small disc or ring base. Flaring, folded out rim. Loop handle attached to neck. Comb decoration on shoulder. Ware red. Poss. IA II, but an unusual shape.

Cat. P123 Unstr. (baulk) Height 158mm; max width 142mm; rim diam. 28mm. Pilgrim's flask. Lentilshaped body, flaring rim. No handles. Ware pink, concentric grooves on body.

Cat. P120 Unstr. Height 197mm; max width 93mm; rim diam. 67mm. Industrial jar. Cylindrical body with flat base. Rim straight. Ware pink, coarse. Finger impressions on base.

Cat. P124 Unstr. (MA8/5) Preserved height 140mm; max width 165mm; neck and rim missing. Tubular pilgrim's flask. Ware pink. Decoration of black painted concentric circles on both sides. IA IIB (parallel in Umeiri unpubl) Cat. P125 Unstr. Height 210mm; max width 105mm; rim diam. 45mm. Juglet, cylindrical body with rounded base, flaring, folded out rim, loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Ware pink, traces of burnishing.

Cat. P121 Unstr. (PF3/surface) Height 160mm; max width 79mm; rim diam. 78mm. Industrial jar. Cylindrical body with flat base. Rim slightly flaring. Ware pink, coarse.

147

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. P129 Unstr. Height 119mm; max width 70mm; rim diam. 38mm. Juglet, ovoid body with rounded base. Flaring rim. Loop handle attached to rim. Spout opposite handle. Ware red.

Cat. P126 Unstr. (HA8) Height 137mm; max width 77mm; rim diam. 24mm. Juglet, bag-shaped body with ring or disc base, square shoulder. Tapering neck, flaring rim. Extra ridge on neck, poss attachment for (missing) loop handle. Ware pink.

Cat. P127 Unstr. Height 153mm; max width 102mm; rim diam. 54mm. Juglet, ovoid body, rounded base. Flaring rim, loop handle attached to rim. Ware pink.

Cat. P130 Unstr. (QA1/32) Preserved height 102mm; max width 67mm; rim largely missing. Juglet, ovoid body with rounded base. Flaring rim. High loop handle attached to rim. Ware buff.

Cat. P128 Unstr. Height 169mm; max width 112mm; rim diam. 62mm. Juglet, ovoid body with rounded base. Flaring rim. Loop handle attached to rim. Spout opposite handle. Ware pink with lime temper.

Cat. P131 Unstr. Height 145mm; max width 107mm; rim largely missing. Juglet, ovoid body with rounded base. Square shoulder, flaring rim. Loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Ware grey.

Cat. P132 Unstr. height 125mm; max width 81mm; rim diam. 28mm. Juglet. Bag-shaped body with ring or disc base; square shoulder, flaring rim. Loop handle attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Ware pink, surface blackened.

148

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P133 Unstr. (PH1/87) Preserved height 126mm; max width 75mm; rim missing. Juglet, ovoid body with rounded base; square shoulder; loop handle broken off. Ware red/buff.

Cat. P137 Unstr. Height 208mm; max width 129mm; rim diam. 55mm. Juglet, body ovoid with rounded base. Rim flaring, loop handle attached to rim. Ware black.

Cat. P134 Unstr. (MA2/1) Height 85mm; max width 52mm; rim diam. 2.3mm. Juglet, cylindrical body, square shoulder. Straight neck, flaring rim, handle attached to neck with extra ridge. Ware pink, coarse.

Cat. P138 Unstr. (LH2/2) Height 77mm; max width 64mm; rim diam. 16mm. Handmade juglet, globular body with round base. Loop handle attached to rim. Rim flaring. Ware buff, coarse.

Cat. P135 Unstr. (GE7/1) Height 95mm; max width 72mm; rim diam. 20mm. Juglet, ovoid body with flat base. Narrow neck and flaring rim, loop handle attached to rim. Ware pink.

Cat. P139 Unstr. (HB8/6) Preserved height 95mm; max width 89mm; rim missing. Juglet, bag-shaped body. Narrow neck. Loop handle broken off. Ware pink, coarse

Cat. P140 Unstr. Preserved height 93mm; max width 94mm. Rim missing. Juglet, globular body with round base. Narrow neck. Loop handle broken off. Ware pink. Narrow neck. Poss Hell.

Cat. P136 Unstr. Height 180mm; max width 130mm; rim diam. 59mm. Juglet, ovoid body with rounded base; flaring rim. Loop handle attached to rim, spout opposite. Ware pink with lime temper

149

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. P141 Unstr. Preserved height 65mm; max width 68mm; rim missing. Miniature jug, globular body with rounded base; narrow neck. Loop handle broken off. Ware red, burnished.

Cat. P145 Unstr. Height 78mm; max width 62mm; rim diam. 24mm; juglet; squat body, flat base. Narrow neck, flaring rim; loop handle attached to rim. Ware black. Late IA I or early IA II.

Cat. P142 Unstr. Preserved height 85mm; max width 73mm; rim missing. Juglet, globular body with round base. Ware pink.

Cat. P146 Unstr. (QA1/14) Height 83mm; max width 96mm; rim diam. 34mm. Pyxis. Two pierced lug handles, flaring rim. Ware orange, groups of red painted lines on body and neck.

Cat. P147 Unstr. (QA1/14) (Fig. 65) Height 82mm; max width 88mm; rim diam. 28mm. Pyxis. Two pierced lug handles, rim short, rounded. Ware red, burnished. Late IA I, early IA II.

Cat. P143 Unstr. Height 121mm; max width 87mm; rim diam. 36mm. Jar. Globular body, ring base. Straight slender neck, flaring rim. Two loop handles attached to neck with extra ridge on neck. Ware red, with black painted lines on body and neck.

Cat. P148 Unstr. (QA1/17) Preserved height 99mm. Max width 79mm; rim diam. 33mm. Pyxis. Base missing. Two pierced lug handles on shoulder. Rim straight. Ware red. Prob. IA.

Cat. P144 Unstr. (LF3/1) Height 93mm; max width 79mm; Globular body on ring base. Narrow straight neck; rim largely missing but appears to be flaring. Loop handle attached to rim. High burnishing and black painted decoration consisting of groups of lines and concentric circles. CyproPhoenician, 9th-8th ctry. Decoration compare Stern 1995 fig. 1.6:22.

Cat. P149 Unstr. (QA1/26) Height 91mm; max width 89mm; rim diam. 30mm. Pyxis. Conical body, flat base, two pierced lug handles. Rim straight. Ware red with lime temper.

150

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P150 Unstr. (QB1/8) Height 77mm; max width 74mm; rim diam. 32mm. Handmade pyxis, cylindrical body, flat base. Two pierced lug handles on shoulder. Rim straight. Ware black.

Cat. P155 Unstr. Preserved height 136mm; max width 50mm; neck and rim missing. Juglet, cylindrical body with rounded base. Two knob handles on either side of body. Ware red slipped and burnished. Parallels see Yassine (1984:69-71 and fig. 3:11-16)

Cat. P151 Unstr. Preserved height 79mm; max width 92mm; rim missing. Pyxis, globular body, flat base. Two pierced lug handles on shoulder. Ware pink.

Cat. P156 Unstr. (GH7/16) Height 224mm; max width 46mm; rim diam. 17mm. Carrot juglet. Ware pink, groups of black painted lines on body, shoulder and rim.

Cat. P152 Unstr. (GH7/3) Height 226mm; max width 48mm; rim diam. 34mm. Juglet, cylindrical body with rounded base. Rim flaring. Two knob handles on either side of body. Ware red slipped and burnished. Parallels see Yassine (1984:69-71 and fig. 3:11-16). Known from tombs in Amman but rare in domestic contexts.

Cat. P157 Unstr. (QG7) Preserved height 174mm; max width 51mm; rim diam. 19mm; Carrot juglet; base reconstructed. Rim folded out. Ware pink, with groups of black painted lines on body and neck. Cat. P158 Unstr. (MA1/3) Height 215mm; max width 43mm; rim diam. 18mm. Carrot juglet. Rim folded out. Ware pink. Traces of groups of black painted lines on body and neck.

Cat. P153 Unstr. (Fig. 64) Height 190mm; max width 50mm; rim diam. 33mm. Juglet, cylindrical body with rounded base. Rim flaring. Two knob handles on either side of body. Ware pink. Traces of burnishing. Parallels see P160

Cat. P159 Unstr (surface) Preserved height 164mm; max. width 65mm; rim missing. Carrot juglet. Ware pink.

Cat. P154 Unstr. Height 225mm; max width 51mm; rim diam. 27mm. Juglet, cylindrical body with rounded base. Rim straight. Two knob handles on either side of body. Ware pink. Parallels see Yassine (1984:69-71 and fig. 3:11-16)

151

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. P160 Unstr. (GF7/11) Preserved height 105mm; max. width 38mm; rim missing. Carrot juglet. Ware pink. Traces of burnishing. Groups of black painted lines on body.

Cat. P165 Unstr. (QA1/17) Preserved height 91mm; max width 69mm; rim missing. Juglet, ovoid body with pointed base. Ware red. High burnishing and black painted lines on body. CyproPhoenician, but a rare shape.

Cat. P161 Unstr. Preserved height 160mm; max width 69mm. Rim missing. Juglet, conical body with pointed base. Shaped like a miniature amphora. Ware pink. Parallels in Mazar cemetery (Yassine 1984:74-75 and plate 4:12)

Cat. P166 Unstr. (Q surface) Height 111mm; max width 74mm; rim diam. 26mm. Juglet, bag-shaped body with rounded base. Square shoulder, flaring rim with extra ridge below rim outside. Spout on upper body, broken off. Loop handle attached to rim. Ware grey

Cat. P162 Unstr. Max width 77mm. Juglet, biconical, neck and rim broken off. Ware grey. Prob. Hell.

Cat. P167 Unstr. Preserved height 93mm; max width 97mm. beaker, globular body with possibly pointed base. Neck and rim missing. Ware red, burnished.

Cat. P163 Unstr. (HD1/1) Height 100mm; max width 55mm; rim diam. 32mm. Unguentarium, Hellenistic. Ovoid body on pedestal base, long neck and wide flaring rim. Ware pink. Parallels in Dor (Stern 1995 photo 6.26) and possibly in Sa'idiyeh (Pritchard 1985 fig. 19:33).

Cat. P168 Unstr. Height 125mm; max width 124mm; rim diam. 82mm. Cooking jar. Globular body with rounded base, flaring rim. Loop handle attached to rim. Ware red. Parallels

Cat. P164 Unstr. Height 87mm; max width 60mm; rim diam. 48mm. Miniature vase or jar. Ovoid body on ring or disc base. High neck, flaring rim. Two ribbon handles attached below rim. Ware pink. Poss. Hell., but a rare form. It could be a Persian copy of an Attic form (Herr, pers. comm)

152

POTTERY CATALOGUE Cat. P169 Unstr. Height 153mm; max width 154mm; rim diam. 92mm. Cooking pot. Globular body with rounded base. Straight rim. Two loop handles attached to rim. Ware red.

Cat. P174 Unstr. Diam. 112mm. Lamp. Round base, wide flaring rim, deeply pinched spout. Ware pink.

Cat. P175 Unstr. (GH7/2) Diam. 96mm. Lamp. Round base, wide flaring rim, deeply pinched spout. Ware pink.

Cat. P170 Unstr. (Fig. 69) Height 124mm; max width 217mm; rim diam. 172mm. Cooking pot. Wide, shallow body, rounded base. Rim inverted with ridge outside (type 1). Ware pink. Seems to have lime temper, which is unusual for cooking pots.

Cat. P171 Unstr. Height 139mm; max width 180mm; rim diam. 89mm. Cooking pot. Hell. Ware red, fine.

Cat. P176 Unstr. Three lamps. Round base. Wide flaring rim, deeply pinched spout. Ware left lamp buff, middle lamp pink, right lamp grey.

Cat. P172 Unstr. (army trench) Height 174mm; rim diam. 228mm. Bowl, probably industrial, possibly modern. Found in army trench. Holes in the side. Ware pink.

Cat. P177 Left Str III (GG8/23) : width 94mm. Oil lamp, round base, wide rim, deeply pinched spout. Ware orange. Middle Str. III (GG8/23) round base, flaring rim, were pink/grey; Right unstr.: width 101mm. Ware pink.

Cat. P173 Unstr. Three lamps. Left LH5 (topsoil): Diam. 128. Round base. Rim straight, slightly flaring top. Pinched spout. Ware pink. This type is much less common than the flaring rim type Parallel in Piccirillo 1975 pl 66:2. Middle HA7/42 (unstr): Wide flaring rim, rounded base, pinched spout. Ware pink. Right: GF8/9 (str. 2): diam 111mm. Flaring wide rim, pinched spout. Ware pink.

Cat. P178 Left unstr. Oil lamp; ware grey/red; Middle unstr. (LH5 topsoil). Oil lamp; ware grey; Right Str. III (HB8/22). Width 121mm. Oil lamp. Round base, wide rim, deeply pinched spout. Ware pink. 153

Tell el-Mazar Catalogue Objects

TELL EL-MAZAR

Catalogue of Objects found on the Tell

Cat. F001 Unstr. (Plate 23r) Height 110mm; length (from head to tail) 85mm. Horse-and-rider figurine. Complete. Ware red. Black and red paint.

Cat. F002 Unstr. Preserved height 67mm. Human figurine, feet broken off. Black ware. Compares to Sa'idiyeh stratum IV (8th-7th century (Pritchard 1985 fig. 169:3) although our example is better executed. It seems to be handmade, with applicated features. The pointed hat is present on both figurines. It is common in all of Syria and Palestine in this period (Dornemann 1983:137 note 9) but most widespread in the Ammonite area.

Cat. F004 Unstr. Preserved height 57mm. Figurine, male human, lower half missing. Possible remains of dark paint on pointed cap and around the eyes. Compares to the Amman figurines (Dornemann 1983 fig 87:1 and 2) and to Cat. F002.

Cat. F005 Unstr. Preserved height 90mm. Figurine, Astarte, lower half missing. Very worn. Hands raised perhaps holding breasts. Ware pink.

Cat. F006 Unstr. (Sq. LE2) Preserved height 54mm. Figurine fragment Astarte head. Front and back. Ware white.

Cat. F008 Topsoil (GF7/1). preserved height 53mm. Figurine fragment Astarte head (front and back). Ware pink. Cat. F003 Unstr. Preserved height 100mm. Human figurine, body only. Legs, arms and head broken off. Red ware.

Cat. F009 Unstr. Preserved height 46mm. Figurine fragment Astarte head? Ware red.

156

OBJECT CATALOGUE Cat. F010 Unstr. Height 101mm; length (from head to tail) 122mm. Horse figurine. Black,red and white paint. Ware red.

Cat. F015 Unstr. Preserved height 66mm. Figurine fragment. Human? Traces of red paint.

Cat. F011 Unstr. Preserved length 75mm. Figurine fragment - horse head. Ware pink.

Cat. F016 Unstr. (Sq. QA1). Preserved length 61mm. Figurine fragment? Ware red.

Cat. F017 Surface find. Preserved height 93mm. Figurine, animal? Ware red, red slip.

Cat. F012 Stratum IV (GH8/12) Preserved length 64mm. Figurine fragment. Animal body? Ware buff.

Cat. F013 Unstr. Preserved length 92mm. Figurine fragment, animal head. Ware buff. Black and orange paint

Cat. F018 Unstr. (pit LE2/2). Preserved length 102mm. Figurine fragment? Ware buff.

Cat. F019 Unstr. Preserved height 66mm. Figurine fragment. Bulls head? Ware buff.

Cat. F014 Unstr. (Sq. GH8). Preserved height 72mm. Figurine fragment? Horse? Unclear. Ware grey.

157

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. W004 Stratum IV (GH7/12) Diam 47mm; cylindrical hole 8mm. Spindle whorl, limestone.

Cat. F020 Stratum III (LH3/F101) Preserved length 119mm. Figurine? Unclear. Red ware tempered with lime.

Cat. F021 Stratum III Preserved length 123mm. Figurine fragment. Pig's head. Red slipped and burnished. Rhyton?

Cat. W005 Stratum III (GG8/22). Diam. 41mm, cylindrical hole 9mm. Globular spindle whorl, bone

Cat. F022 Unstr. Pottery, figurine fragment, broken. Feet(?) only.

Cat. W006 Stratum III (HA8/22). Diam. 42mm, hole 10mm. Spindle whorl, disc shaped. Pottery Cat. W001 Stratum V (LE5/9). Diam. 37mm, cylindrical hole 9mm. Disc-shaped spindle whorl, alabaster.

Cat. W007 Stratum I (GH7/4). Diam. 40mm, hole biconical, 7mm. Spindle whorl, disc shaped. Pottery.

Cat. W002 Stratum V (LF5/13). Diam. 33mm, hole 8mm. Spindle whorl, disc-shaped. Limestone?

Cat. W008 Unstr. Diam. 38mm. Spindle whorl, basalt? Rounded sides. Hole diam. 11mm.

Cat. W003 Stratum IV (GH7/10). Diam. 40mm, hole 5mm biconical spindle whorl, pottery.

158

OBJECT CATALOGUE Cat. W009 Unstr. Length 74mm, max width 28mm. Spatula, dark bone. Both ends rounded, one end wider than the other.

Cat. B002 Unstr. height 56mm. Bone (?) object, pendant. Elongated shape with hole drilled in narrow end.

Cat. W010 Unstr. (LE5/19). Diam. 39mm, hole 10mm. Spindle whorl, disc-shaped. Alabaster

Cat. B003 Stratum I (LF4/16) height 58mm. Bone object, pendant. Elongated rectangular shape, with hole drilled in one end.

Cat. M001 Unstr. preserved length 36mm; width 12mm. Bronze arrow head, tip broken off.

Cat. W011 Unstr. (LE5/8) Diam. 41mm; cylindrical hole 9mm. Spindle whorl, limestone? Rounded sides.

Cat. M002 Stratum I (LF4/12) length 15mm; width 9mm. Bronze nail. Cat. W012 Unstr. Diam. 36mm, hole 8mm. Spindle whorl, biconical. Bone.

Cat. M003 Unstr. diameter (outside) Ca 23mm. Bronze ring Cat. B001 Stratum II (MA1/12). length 69mm. Bone pin, five shallow decorative grooves one end, tip pointed. Possibly kohl stick.

159

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. M009 Unstr. length 46mm. Width 17mm. Iron arrowhead. Short, squat type. Tip broken off.

Cat. M004 Unstr. preserved length 123mm; width 34mm. Bronze spearhead. Tip broken off.

Cat. M005 Stratum II (LE4/11) length 47mm; width 9mm. Iron arrowhead. Cat. M010 Unstr. (Sq. GG7) length 47mm; width 24mm. Iron arrowhead, short, squat type. seems more or less complete.

Cat. M006 Stratum II (LE4/12). length 39mm; width 14mm. Iron arrowhead, tip broken off.

Cat. M011 Unstr. (HA7/40) length 37mm; width 17mm. Iron arrowhead, tang broken off.

Cat. M007 Unstr. length 74mm; width 21mm. Iron arrowhead

Cat. M008 Unstr. length 70mm. Iron arrowhead

160

OBJECT CATALOGUE Cat. M012 Unstr. length 80mm; width 16 mm. Iron arrowhead, long narrow type.

Cat. M017 Unstr. length 65mm; width 20mm. Iron arrowhead, short squat type

Cat. M018 Unstr. (LE5/1) length 56mm; width 21mm. Iron arrowhead, tip broken off.

Cat. M013 Unstr. length 70mm; width 15mm; Iron arrowhead, long narrow type

Cat. M014 Unstr. length 60mm; width 18mm. Iron arrowhead, short squat type with long tang.

Cat. M019 Stratum I (LE5/6) length 59mm; width 20mm. Iron arrowhead, tip and tang broken off.

Cat. M015 Unstr. length 61mm; width 19mm. Iron arrowhead. Tang seems to have been broken off.

Cat. M020 Stratum II (GG7/8) length 51mm; width 17mm. Iron arrowhead, elongated hexagonal shape with short tang.

Cat. M016 Stratum III (LG4/3) length 56mm; width 20mm. Iron arrowhead, bent, tip broken off

161

TELL EL-MAZAR Cat. M021 Stratum II (LE3/10) length 36mm; width 13mm. Iron arrowhead, tip broken off.

Cat. M025 Stratum II (LE3/10) length 87mm. Iron pin or large nail.

Cat. M022 Stratum II (LE2/12) length 203mm; width 32mm. Iron knife, tip possibly broken off. Tang shows possible traces of riveting holes. Found together with a fragment of bronze rod (length 50m, width 7mm).

Cat. M026 Unstr. length 77mm. Iron pin or long, narrow arrowhead Cat. M027 Stratum II (LE3/10) length 96mm. Iron pin or long, narrow arrowhead

Cat. M023 Stratum V (LG2/103) length 214mm; width 35mm. Iron knife, tang broken off.

Cat. M024 Unstr. (HA7/41) length 121mm. Iron pin or large nail.

162

163

. . . . . . . .

126

.

2

.

.

1

.

.

.

Lentil (Lens culinaris)

Lathyrus sativus Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Broad bean (Vicia faba var. minor)

.

. 23370

.

.

.

.

.

.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Grape (Vitis vinifera)

Olive (Olea europaea)

Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Pistachio (wild, collected) (Pistacia atlantica/palaestina)

.

.

.

.

.

Lentil vetch (Vicia ervilia) Common vetch (Vicia sativa ssp. Sativa)

.

.

Storage

III HA8/22

.

I HA8/14

Emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum) Naked wheat (Triticum durum/aestivum) Naked wheat (Triticum dur./aest.)(rachis intern.) Two-row hulled barley (Hordeum distichum) Six-row hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare) Six-row hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare) (rachis intern.)

Cultivated plants

Stratum Area

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

2

.

6

.

.

.

.

.

23

.

I HB8/3

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

9

.

I HB8/7

.

.

.

.

.

.

1

.

.

.

.

.

.

3

.

10

.

I HB8/9

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

5

.

27

.

I HB8/10

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

225

.

I GG3/3

Tell Mazar plant remains

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

213

.

I GG8/10

.

.

.

.

11

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

85*

.

2

.

II,III LH2/4

.

.

.

1

255

.

.

.

.

.

1

.

.

1

.

.

.

III LH3/6 Floor 101

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

20

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

3

.

II GH7/6

.

.

.

.

62220

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

I,II GH8/5 Floor 100

.

.

.

.

37500

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

12

.

8

.

I GH8/8 Destr. layer

APPENDIX

164

. . . . . . .

Ficus sycomorus/carica Fraxinus (ash) Olea Prunus type Populus Salix Rest

Wood

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Weeds,etc.

I HA8/14

Vaccaria pyramidata Convolvulus B Cuscuta A (dodder) Gramineae Avena Bromus A Lolium (ryegrass) Lolium temulentum (darnell) Phalaris paradoxa Malva Papilionaceae Medicago Medicago C Vicia Galium Galium B Verbascum Bupleurum lancifolium 2 Carum carvi/Cuminum? Indet.

Stratum Area

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

III HA8/22

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I HB8/3

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I HB8/7

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I HB8/9

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I HB8/10

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . 4 . . . . . . . . . . . .

I GG3/3

. 2 . . 5 . 2

. . . . . . . 12 . . . . . . . . . . . .

I GG8/10

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

II,III LH2/4

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

III LH3/6

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

II GH7/6

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I,II GH8/5

. . . . . . .

. . 560 . . . 2 . . 8 . . . . . . . . . 3

I GH8/8

TELL EL-MAZAR

165

Grape (Vitis vinifera) Olive (Olea europaea) Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Pistachio (wild, collected) (Pistacia atlantica/palaestina)

Emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum) Naked wheat (Triticum durum/aestivum) Naked wheat (Triticum dur./aest.)(rachis intern.) Two-row hulled barley (Hordeum distichum) Six-row hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare) Six-row hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare) (rachis intern.) Lentil (Lens culinaris) Lathyrus sativus Fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum) Broad bean (Vicia faba var. minor) Lentil vetch (Vicia ervilia) Common vetch (Vicia sativa ssp. Sativa) Flax (Linum usitatissimum)

Cultivated plants

Stratum Area

. . . . . . . 2 .

. . . . . . . . .

.

43800

2

.

.

.

. . (1)

3

2300

. . .

.

.

V V LE1/19 LE11/19

.

. . .

. .

. .

.

. . .

.

3½

.

9770

2

I LG1/3

.

. . .

. .

. .

.

. . .

.

13

.

.

.

III MA2/7

.

. . .

. .

. .

.

. . .

.

.

.

.

.

I HB7/4

.

. . .

. .

. .

.

. . .

.

.

.

.

.

I LG1/5

.

. . .

. .

. 562

.

. 1 .

.

8

.

14

.

n.s PF3/7

Tell Mazar plant remains

.

. . .

. .

. 1

.

. . .

.

11540

.

1

1

n.s PF3/7

.

. . .

. 2

. .

13120

. . .

.

.

.

.

.

.

. . .

. .

. .

.

. . .

.

9

.

.

.

n.s PH3/40 between Storage bricks

n.s PH3/34

.

. 1 .

11260 .

6 .

.

. . .

.

6

.

1

.

n.s PH3/41

.

. 1 .

. .

396 .

.

. . .

.

.

.

.

.

n.s QB3/26

.

. . .

. .

6 .

.

5 . .

42

.

1

1260

.

n.s QB3/31

APPENDIX

166

0,7 . . 0,9 . . 2,5

Ficus sycomorus/carica Fraxinus (ash) Olea Prunus type Populus Salix Rest

Wood

. . . . . . . 147 . . . . . . . . -1 . . .

Weeds,etc.

. . 2 . . . .

1 . . . . 1 . . 1 . . . . 6 . . . . . .

V V LE1/19 LE11/19

Vaccaria pyramidata Convolvulus B Cuscuta A (dodder) Gramineae Avena Bromus A Lolium (ryegrass) Lolium temulentum (darnell) Phalaris paradoxa Malva Papilionaceae Medicago Medicago C Vicia Galium Galium B Verbascum Bupleurum lancifolium 2 Carum carvi/Cuminum? Indet.

Stratum Area

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . 23 . . . . . . . . . . . .

I LG1/3

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

III MA2/7

. 2,5 1,8 . . . 3,0

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I HB7/4

. . . . . x .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I LG1/5

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . . . . .

n.s PF3/7

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

n.s PF3/7

. . . . . . .

. 3 . . . . . . . . 1 . 1 . 2 . . 1 1 .

n.s PH3/34

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

n.s PH3/40

. . 1 . . . .

. . . 1 1 . . 6 . . . (1) . . . 2 . . . .

n.s PH3/41

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

n.s QB3/26

. 4 . . . . .

. . . . . . . 720 (2) 2 . . . . . . . . . .

n.s QB3/31

TELL EL-MAZAR

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