Model shrine

Trans-Jordan

Iron Age II, 9th-8th century BCE

Pottery

H: 29; W: 30 cm

Gift of the Reuben and Edith Hecht Trust, Haifa

Accession number:

82.24.415

Archaeology/Israelite & Persian Periods

Photo © The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

This model reflects actual temple architecture. Its capitals and columns closely resemble some of the architectural elements found in archaeological excavations. The function of the model, however, is not clear. The model recalls the biblical description of the entrance to Solomon’s Temple, with its pair of free-standing columns, “Yakhin” and “Boaz.”

From the Israel Museum publications:

The Israel Museum, Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 2005

Zalmona, Yigal, ed., The Israel Museum at 40: Masterworks of Beauty and Sanctity, The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 2005

Beauty and Sanctity: the Israel Museum at 40. A Series of Exhibitions Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Israel Museum, Jerusalem, Zalmona, Yigal, 2006

Exhibitions:

The Beauty of Sanctity: Masterworks from Every Age, Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 29/03/2005 - 12/11/2005