African figurines found in Israel reveal unexpected cultural connections

Heritage Daily ^ | May 14, 2025 | Mark Milligan

[SunkenCiv]

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority and Cologne University have made an unexpected discovery in Israel's Negev Desert: carved figurines with apparent African origins.

The figurines were uncovered during excavations at Tel Malhata, an elliptical-shaped mound located in the eastern sector of the Arad -- Beer-sheba Valley.

The site is often identified as Moladah, the biblical town of Simeon, and one of the cities of Judah (although other identifications have been suggested). Previous excavations at the Tel have found occupational layers dating from the Middle Bronze Age to the Byzantine period.

According to a study published in 'Atiqot -- Publications of the Israel Antiquities Authority, archaeologists found a total of five figurines made from ebony wood (Ceylon ebony), native to southern India and Sri Lanka...

They were found in Christian burials from the early 6th century AD, along with glassware, stone and alabaster jewellery, and bronze bracelets...

During the Roman-Byzantine period, Tel Malhata served as a central road intersection, where traders from South Arabia, India and Africa passed.

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TOPICS: History; Science; Travel
KEYWORDS: africa; ancientnavigation; arabia; beersheba; byzantineempire; ceylon; ebony; fauxiantrolls; godsgravesglyphs; heritagedaily; india; israel; markmilligan; moladah; negev; romanempire; romantrade; srilanka; tamil; telmalhata

[DownInFlames]

Stamped made in China.

[bobbo666]

Uhh, why is anyone surprised? Africa is only back across the REDSea — which Moses managed to cross. Regional trading will, of course, involve artwork.

Oh, I see. This is how the commie trash producing crappola like the remake of HelelofTroy, etc can claim that all Mediterranean accomplishments were done by black Africans.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Could be from Ethiopia or Meroe. Large Christian communities, extensive trade with India at that time. Also could have been members of the Christian community in India. Maybe Tamil.

[SunkenCiv]

What is 'The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea?' 
- Roman Merchant Account of the Distant East (AD 50) | 9:15 
Dr Raoul McLaughlin | 11.1K subscribers | 13,861 views | Febuary 2, 2020

 

periplus of erythrean sea youtube

[SunkenCiv]

None of these pendants or amulets appear to have any Christian symbols on them, so, no, probably not.

[SunkenCiv]

Selections from the "Erythraean Sea" and "Periplus of Hanno" keywords, sorted:

• Scylax, the Ancient Greek Explorer Who Mapped India [08/07/2025]
  • The Voyage around the Erythraean Sea [09/12/2004]
• Book Review: Federico De Romanis and Marco Maiuro, eds., Across the Ocean: Nine Essays on Indo-Mediterranean Trade [08/14/2021]
  • New inscriptions from Saudi Arabia and the extent of Roman rule along the Red Sea [Farasan Islands] [11/25/2021]
• Mould for minting Roman coins found in Talkad [India] [05/30/2014]
  • More evidence unearthed at ancient port of Muziris [03/19/2010]
  • Archaeologists Unearth Roman Era Artefacts In Kerala (India) [03/25/2007]
  • Ancient Indian port linked to Roman Empire faces extinction(India) [08/22/2006]
  • Search For India's Ancient City (Muziris - Roman) [06/11/2006]
  • Scientists Discover Ancient Sea Wharf (Marine Silk Road) [12/30/2004]
• Indian Ocean's Oldest Shipwreck Set for Excavation [06/26/2022]
  • Indians first to ride monsoon winds [04/24/2011]
• Sailor to recreate Phoenicians' epic African voyage [03/24/2008]
  • The Voyage of Hanno [The Periplus of Hanno] [02/15/2015]
  • Archaeologists take up research on Essaouira Island [Morocco] [03/12/2006]
  • So How Far Did The Phoenicians Really Go In The Region? [02/23/2004]
• When In Vietnam, Build Boats As The Romans Do [04/21/2006]

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

I question if that should be any sort of base line.

If you walked through my house you would find no symbols of my faith at all until you started reading the books.

Just because I do not have crosses, crucifixes, fish, icons or statues in my house does not mean I am not a Christian.

[SunkenCiv]

By the same token, there’s no reason to believe any of these amulets were made by a Christian, or made by an Ethiopian, or anywhere but where the materials were sourced.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Very true.

That is why I suggested Tamil because that is where the wood came from.

Of course considering the trade routes of the time they could have been carved anywhere. Even locally.