First Temple-era mold offers clues to mystery of ‘pagan’ female figurines in Holy City

A 2,600-year-old mold for casting female figurine faces, discovered in Jerusalem's Old City, provides the first direct evidence that such figurines were produced locally during the First Temple period. The find sheds light on the religious practices of ancient Judeans, who continued Canaanite worship traditions despite royal efforts to enforce monotheism.

A 2,600-year-old mold used to cast the face of a female clay figurine has been discovered in Jerusalem's Old City, providing the first direct evidence that such figurines were produced locally during the First Temple period. The mold, 7.5 cm tall and 6 cm wide, was found at the Kishle excavation near the Tower of David Museum, part of a new wing funded by Canada's Schulich Foundation. Researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority said the find sheds light on the religious practices of ancient Judeans, who continued Canaanite worship traditions despite royal efforts to enforce monotheism. The figurines, often found in two parts (a crude clay body and a detailed head), are believed to have served as private idols or household amulets, possibly representing the fertility goddess Asherah. The mold dates to the time of King Uzziah in the 8th century BCE. The discovery helps answer whether these figurines were imported or locally made, confirming local production. The excavation continues to yield significant finds, and the public is invited to help sift through debris.