“Crown” from the Cave of the Treasure
Copper
H: 17.5; Diam: 16.8 cm
Israel Antiquities Authority
IAA:
1961-177
Archaeology/Chalcolithic & Canaanite Periods
This is the most elaborate of ten “crowns” found in the Judean Desert hoard. Despite its shape, it was probably not an actual crown, but a model of a type of round burial structure found in Chalcolithic cemeteries. The object has two elaborate “facades,” each decorated with a pair of horns, two birds of prey, and two columns (one now missing). Made with the lost-wax technique, it was probably used in cultic ceremonies.
From the Israel Museum publications:
Treasures of the Holy Land, Ancient Art from the Israel Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1986
