Large-scale storage and storage symbolism in the ancient Near East: A clay silo model from Tel Tsaf

Danny Rosenberg*, Yosef Garfinkel, Florian Klimscha

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent excavations at the protohistoric (5200-4600 cal BC) site of Tel Tsaf in the Jordan Valley (Israel) revealed an unusual clay model, found in a room surrounded by several large grain-storage silos. It provides the first insight into the manner in which the superstructures of the silos at Tel Tsaf may have been constructed. More importantly, this find adds a new dimension to understanding the link between large-scale storage and the symbolism related to grain storage, burial and the regeneration of life. It also illustrates the early appearance of distinct strategies for controlling the means of production and for accumulating wealth - factors that led to the creation of social hierarchies in the ancient Near East.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)885-900
Number of pages16
JournalAntiquity
Volume91
Issue number358
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© Antiquity Publications Ltd, 2017.

Keywords

  • Chalcolithic
  • Israel
  • Tel Tsaf
  • silo
  • storage
  • symbolism

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