Figurative ritual stands

Tangible evidence for Edomite cult has been revealed at Hazeva in the Arava, where a pit containing ritual objects from a shrine was discovered. The objects – offerings brought to the shrine – had been deliberately smashed and buried in the pit after they went out of use. Among them were human-shaped vessels, which may have represented the worshipers themselves. These objects highlight the sharp contrast between Edomite and Judahite religion, which avoided the human image.