Bronze Anklets from Ḥorvat Tevet (Jezreel Valley): New Light on Exchange and Identity Construction in the Iron I

Jordan Weitzel, Omer Sergi, Karen Covello-Paran, Hannes Bezzel, Omri Yagel, Yehudit Harlavan, Erez Ben-Yosef

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This article presents the results of lead isotope analysis (LI) conducted on four bronze anklets from an early Iron Age burial (Burial D/F3) at the site of Ḥorvat Tevet, Israel. The results show that the copper in these items most likely originated in Timna. All the known LI data from the Late Bronze and early Iron Age southern Levant is then plotted to demonstrate that Arabah copper dominated the region in the early Iron Age. The significance of these objects for reconstructing exchange networks in the early Iron Age Jezreel Valley is briefly explored. We then turn to discussing the social meaning of these objects. Based on a catalogue of all known southern Levantine burials dated between the Late Bronze III (12th century bce) and Iron IIA (9th century bce) containing anklets or bracelets in association with skeletal remains with biological sex and age determinations, we conclude this was likely the burial of a high-status female.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPalestine Exploration Quarterly
DOIs
StateAccepted/In press - 2024

Keywords

  • ancient economy
  • archaeometallurgy
  • copper
  • gender
  • Iron Age
  • jewellery
  • lead isotope analysis
  • Levant

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Archaeology
  • History
  • Visual Arts and Performing Arts
  • Religious studies
  • Archaeology

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