On the site of the ancient home of the Patriarch Abraham at Kirjath Sepher the joint expedition of the Xenia Theological Seminary of Pittsburgh and the American School of Oriental Research in Jerusalem has found a small limestone lion perfectly preserved and believed to be one of a pair that flanked the sides of an ancient ruler’s throne. It may also have been part of the support of a Canaanite idol because a small altar was found nearby.
Dr. Melvin G. Kyle, one of the directors of the joint expedition, estimates that both objects date from about 1400 B.C. The chiefs of the expedition regard the archeological finds as the most important ever found in Palestine, being far in advance of any pre-Greek object unearthed in Palestine and offering wonderful specimens of genuine Canaanite art.
The lion was found standing on its nose in a heap of rubble and was apparently thrown out by the Israelites after conquering a Canaanite fortress. The lion will be housed in the Palestine Museum of Antiquities.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
