A photo from open sources
In Israel, in the settlement of Pnei Hever (Maale Heve), which is located on south of the Hebron Highlands, found a stone mask of the Neolithic, which is more than nine thousand years old. It is believed that in a world like there are only fifteen masks, and almost all of them are in private collections.
To this we can add that all previously found masks made of stone historically not infected with such accuracy as this one, since it is not known by whom and where they were excavated. Some, maybe even just faked, this in archeology also happens everywhere and everywhere, since there is a huge demand for such artifacts from rich people keen on collecting antiquities. Besides Moreover, even in private collections stone masks virtually inaccessible for a comprehensive study of them.
And such a fortune! True, in this case, the oldest stone the mask was discovered not by scientists, but by amateur diggers, but because she could well go to private storage, if not the vigilance of Israeli private detectives from archeology.
A photo from open sources
Scientists, by mayor, Israeli archaeologist Ronit Lupu (Ronit Lupu), believe that this artifact was made during the so-called Neolithic revolution, interesting in that in development human society at that time increasingly began to manifest various beliefs, and as a consequence of them – religious rites. AND a mask in this case, along with skulls decorated with symbolic signs, anthropomorphic figures, served as ceremonial “tool”.
A photo from open sources
Surprising, says Lupu, the skillful processing of stone masks, especially its inner surface, which simply causes genuine admiration. In this case, “facial features” are made immaculately: strictly symmetrical eyes, underlined by a small nose, well-defined cheekbones, even teeth in the mouth distinguishable.
By the way, note that presumably in the Hebron Highlands similar stone masks were found earlier, today scientists have found only confirmation that this area of present-day Israel at that distant time may have served as a center for the production of all kinds of ritual products, among which are just such unique ritual things.
Ancient artifacts Israel
