Male figurine

The figurine was found broken inside an ossuary (burial box) that had been deposited in a natural cave used for burial. This cave is one of eight such burial caves from the Chalcolithic Period that have been excavated to date.The figurine was formed from a lump of clay that was shaped into a cylinder, from which the legs, ears, nose, and buttocks were made. A sharp tool was used to mark the eyes, ears, and nose. The arms and the genitals were added separately. Upon completion, the figurine was entirely covered by a red pigment (ocher).The figurine is unique. Male figurines of ivory from this period have come to light in the vicinity of Beersheba, but very few are made of clay. Moreover, this is the only one featuring prominent genitals, attesting, undoubtedly, to male fertility. Finally, this is the only Chalcolithic figurine ever discovered inside an ossuary. Perhaps its purpose was to preserve the fertility of the deceased in the afterlife.