The Ivory Pomegranate

In December 2004 the findings of a scientific study initiated by the Israel Museum and the Israel Antiquities Authority revealed that the inscription on the Ivory Pomegranate, an ancient object in the Museum’s collections, was added in modern times. The artifact, believed to be the head of a ceremonial scepter, was first seen in 1979 and came into the collection as a gift in 1988. Based on its inscription, the pomegranate had been considered the only known relic from the First Temple in Jerusalem. Before its arrival in the Museum, the pomegranate was examined by leading epigraphists (scholars of ancient inscriptions) and deemed authentic. The recent reexamination, which used an environmental scanning electron microscope, subjected the inscription and patina to closer scrutiny than had been possible before. The new study shows that although the object itself dates to the Late Bronze Age (14th-13th century BCE), its inscription is not ancient.

The Israel Museum believes that it is important for the public to understand the process of authentication, and the techniques involved, as well as the interplay of scholarship, connoisseurship, and science which informs archaeological research. The pomegranate will be shown in the archaeology galleries as an example of this ongoing process.

A Horse Ornament from the Steppes of Central Asia, ca. 300-100 BCE Curator: Tallay Ornan The iron roundel, plated with gold and adorned with turquoise, recalls Herodotus' descriptions of the golden horse trappings of the Central Asian nomads.

The highly stylized animals figuring on the roundel reflect the imaginative "animal style" typical of the Central Asian steppes. Neighboring Cultures Hall, Bronfman Archaeology Wing.

In the Presence of the Gods Statues of Mortals in Egyptian Temples Curator: Daphna Ben-Tor Six statues of officials from the 2nd and 1st millennia BCE that were set up in temples in Ancient Egypt, where they represented their owners in rituals. Neighboring Cultures Hall, Bronfman Archaeology Wing.

Heads or Tales A Mythological Theme on Ancient Coins Curator: Hagit Maoz Abduction, betrayal, and death - all on three Roman silver coins dating from the 1st century BCE, recently acquired for the Museum's collection. Coin Gallery

Thundering on High Images of the Canaanite Storm God Curator: Osnat Misch-Brandl The storm god, whose image appears in statues and reliefs and about whom ancient epics and myths were composed, was one of the most important deities of the peoples of Western Asia. This god, who is frequently shown accompanied by the bull and astral symbols, was also worshiped by the Canaanites some 3,500 years ago. In his honor, temples and cult places were built and special ceremonies were performed. The exhibition presents statues, stelae, and jewelry representing the storm god.

Sacred Animals of Ancient Egypt (learn more) Curator: Daphna Ben-Tor Five coffins of mummified animals: two ibises, a cat, a falcon, and a mongoose, reflecting the cults of sacred animals in ancient Egypt.

Modern African Elephant © Doron Horowitz

Elephant Tale (learn more) Curator: Debby Hershman An ancient elephant skull from the 780,000- year-old prehistoric site near Benot Ya?akov Bridge is shown along with a wooden log and flint tools that were possibly used in hunting and cutting up the animal. The special exhibit is accompanied by a slide show presenting rare photographs taken by Doron Horowitz, documenting the life of elephants in their natural environment. Archaeology Wing, Prehistory Gallery