Architectural Models from Tel Tsaf, Central Jordan Valley, Israel
Abstract. Three-dimensional models of buildings, made of clay or stone, are very rarely attested in the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, or Early Bronze Age southern Levant. The assemblage of nine clay models found at Tel Tsaf, radiometrically dated to 5200-4800 BC, is unique, helping to fill a gap in our u...
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| Publicado no: | URI:https://journals.openedition.org/paleorient, |
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| Principais autores: | , , |
| Formato: | Article ou chapitre numérique |
| Idioma: | Anglais |
| Publicado em: |
Paléorient
2022
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| Assuntos: | |
| Acesso em linha: | Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM Accès Université d'Orléans et IFPM |
| Resumo: | Abstract. Three-dimensional models of buildings, made of clay or stone, are very rarely attested in the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, or Early Bronze Age southern Levant. The assemblage of nine clay models found at Tel Tsaf, radiometrically dated to 5200-4800 BC, is unique, helping to fill a gap in our understanding of this phenomenon in late prehistory. This paper presents the assemblage, discusses its symbolic value, and shows how it provides a glimpse of the superstructure and roof of late prehistoric buildings. The analysis of the fragments, as well as their spatial distribution and numerous parallels found in different parts of the Old World, brought us to the conclusion that these architectural models were visual representations of part of the local religious cosmology. These models should probably be related to beliefs pertaining to the netherworld, and may be regarded as precursors of the Late Chalcolithic ossuaries in both their form and their meaning in the eyes of their makers. |
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