Jerusalem Excavation Uncovers First Temple-Era Mold for Female Figurines

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority uncovered a 2,600‑year‑old clay mold used to cast the faces of female figurines during the First Temple period. The artifact was found at the Kishle site, a former Ottoman prison within the Tower of David Museum complex in Jerusalem’s Old City, as part of excavations for a new archaeology, art and innovation wing funded by Canada’s Schulich Foundation.

Measuring roughly 7.5 cm tall and 6 cm wide, the mold reveals finely detailed facial features, including an elaborate curly hairstyle. Researchers say this is the first mold of its kind discovered in Jerusalem, providing direct evidence that many of the thousands of figurines unearthed across Judah were produced locally rather than imported. The figurines are thought to have served as private idols or household amulets, possibly representing a fertility goddess such as Asherah.

The discovery, announced by Dr. Amit Re’em and Dr. Ayala Zilberstein, adds a new dimension to the understanding of religious practices in ancient Jerusalem and underscores the city’s continuous archaeological significance.