BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

What is it? BHD and Facebook Artifact Discussion

What is this artifact?

What is this artifact?

A. Hittite spool
B. Philistine earplug
C. Ammonite spinning top
D. An Egyptian chariot’s hub cap
E. Greek helmet holder

Answer: B) Philistine earplug

It is quite possible that no self-respecting, fashion-conscious Philistine would have left home without first having adorned his earlobes with decorative plugs. This one, a rounded conical ivory plug, was found in an 11th-century B.C.E. cultic area of the Philistine city of Ekron. It measures about 1.85 inches wide at its base and would have been worn through a large piercing in the lobe. In order to create a hole wide enough to fit such a large plug, the piercing would have been gradually expanded over time through the use of progressively larger plugs. The ridge at the plug’s base provided a secure fit to the lobe, while the plug’s conical head was meant to protrude from the lobe for the world to see. Other plugs found at Ekron are made of greenish-blue faience with protruding surfaces decorated in intricate rosette and petal designs commonly found in Egyptian jewelry of the period, another sign that these plugs were worn primarily as fashion accessories.

Related Posts

the assassination of Sennacherib
Dec 1
The Assassination of Sennacherib

By: Nathan Steinmeyer

When Did Christianity Begin to Spread?
Nov 30
When Did Christianity Begin to Spread?

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Menorah Stone
Nov 28
Understanding the Jewish Menorah

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff


1 Responses

  1. Joy says:

    It looks like a type of pulley. Is it possible?

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


1 Responses

  1. Joy says:

    It looks like a type of pulley. Is it possible?

Write a Reply or Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Send this to a friend