Raz Kletter
Biographic Data
| ID | 363030 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Raz Kletter |
| GIVEN NAMES | Raz |
| FAMILY NAME | Kletter |
| SIGNATURE | KLETTER R |
| AFFILIATIONS | Israel Antiquities Authority |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-7048-4747 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 35 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 22 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 35 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1991 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
A Middle Bronze Age Tomb at Shoham
A 24-Sheqel Judean Weight from Beit Ṣafafa
Har Ḥoẓevim: A Frankish Farmhouse North of Jerusalem
Early Islamic Bronze Weights from Ramla
Late Byzantine Remains near Shiqmona: A Monastery, a Cemetery and a Winepress (pp. 147–182)
Excavation at the site of Shiqmona, east of the Tel Aviv–Haifa highway, revealed finds from the late Byzantine period, including a monastery, a large winepress, a dozen rock-cut tombs and two large buildings. The monastery is a large building, incorporating the chapel excavated by Makhouly in 1940, which was re-discovered. The monastery was dated on the basis of the meager pottery finds to the sixth century CE. North and south of the chapel were …
Jaffa, Roslan Street
Early Islamic Remains at ‘Opher Park, Ramla
Settler-Colonialism and the Diary of an Israeli Settler in the Golan Heights: The Notebooks of Izhaki Gal
In 1967 the Golan Heights saw a dramatic change: a hundred villages were destroyed and replaced by new Israeli settlements. We study the beginning of this settlement through the lens of settler-colonialism, using documents of the time. The settlers claim to be ‘original natives’, ‘returning’ to the land and, like other colonial settlers elsewhere, bringing culture and civilisation to a terra nullius. To justify the settlement, they create a ‘deep…
The Iron Age II Figurines and Zoomorphic Vessels of Tel Reḥov
Forty-nine Iron Age II anthropomorphic and zoomorphic clay figurines and vessels were found at Tel Reḥov. Clay was an inexpensive material and small figurines were a common item; yet, this small assemblage still holds surprises. All the figurines were published in Saarelainen and Kletter 2020. Here we present a selection of the figurines in order to illustrate their variety and aesthetic appeal, and also to demonstrate the difficulties in studyin…
Estates’ or ‘forts’ in Persian period Yehud
A series of large Persian Period buildings dots the Judean Mountains; they are usually located alone in prominent places without nearby villages or other remains. Their presence stresses the scarcity of towns and villages in Yehud. In a recent article in this journal, Faust, A. (2018. ‘Forts or agricultural estates? Persian period settlement in the territories of the former Kingdom of Judah’, PEQ 150/1, 34–59) noted difficulties with the interpre…
Archaeology, Heritage and Ethics in the Western Wall Plaza, Jerusalem: Darkness at the End of the Tunnel
This volume is a critical study of recent archaeology in the Western Wall Plaza area, Jerusalem. Considered one of the holiest places on Earth for Jews and Muslims, it is also a place of controversy, where the State marks ‘our’ remains for preservation and adoration and ‘theirs’ for silencing. Based on thousands of documents from the Israel Antiquities Authority and other sources, such as protocols of planning committees, readers can explore for …
The first Melchizedek bottle? Notes on the Jerusalem iron IIA pithos inscription
The Jerusalem pithos inscription was found in 2012 in an Iron IIA (tenth century, High Chronology) context. Nine epigraphers have already tried to decipher this short Canaanite or Early-Alphabetic inscription, but their readings vary greatly. Galil, followed by Petrovich, boldly restores the words yyn ḥlq (‘inferior, poor wine’) and deduces that this is “the first Hebrew inscription” from Jerusalem. It supposedly relates to allocation of wine by …
Bone Considerations: Archaeology, Heritage, and Ethics at Mamilla, Jerusalem
Mamilla cemetery was one of the largest and most important Muslim cemeteries in Jerusalem. The plans to build a "Museum of Tolerance" in it led to heated protests and a prolonged legal procedure in Israel's Supreme Court of Justice. In 2008, the court approved the plans and many hundreds of graves were exhumed. Through the available sources, including the court's archival files, we discuss political, legal, and archaeological aspects of this case…
M iddle B ronze A ge Burials in the Southern Levant: Spartan Warriors or Ordinary People
Intermediate and M iddle B ronze A ge tombs with weapons (mainly daggers) in the southern Levant were often interpreted as ‘warrior graves’. Taking into consideration new data from R ishon L e‐ Z ion ( I srael), recent work on early warfare and warriors, and a study of so‐called ‘warrior graves’ in Mesopotamia ( R ehm 2003), we suggest that most of these graves are not graves of elite warriors, but typical male burials. We also discuss the assume…
Storage Wars 1, Curation 0
Morag Kersel's article is a valuable, clearly expressed contribution. There is a problem of storage of archaeological finds; its causes and possible remedies require discussion.An important observation, which shifts the focus of the discussion, concerns the distinction between two kinds of antiquities. For the sake of simplicity let us call them goodies and bulk items. The definitions vary between scholars, places, and times. Status is also deter…
In Search of the “Israeli Method of Excavation”
In 1973 Yohanan Aharoni published a polemic against criticism of Israeli excavations by supporters of the Wheeler–Kenyon method of excavation. He claimed that a unique “Israeli method” of excavation was invented during the large 1950s’ excavations at Hazor, allegedly equal or even superior to the Wheeler–Kenyon method. Following Aharoni, the “Israeli method” became an accepted fact. Some archaeologists repeated Aharoni's story and harmonised the …
In the Footsteps of Bagira: Ethnicity, archaeology, and 'Iron I ethnic Israel
This article has two aims. The first is to show that the search for ethnicity in archaeology is dependent on the way ethnicity is defined and on written sources. The second is to review studies of Iron Age I 'ethnic Israel'. There is an ongoing, heated debate between 'maximalists' and 'minimalists', trying to prove or refute such identity. Which side in this debate is right
Pyramidal Lead Objects: Scale Weights, Loom Weights, or Sinkers
Ancient scale weights are a key to understanding weight systems and types of economy, but their definition is notoriously difficult, and scholars tend to classify as weights a wide variety of objects. The present paper reassesses a series of pyramidal lead objects from Phoenicia, dated mostly to the Hellenistic period. In the last twenty years these objects have been regarded as scale weights—in fact, forming the largest category of assumed Phoen…
Beautiful From All Sides: Twice-moulded Figurines of the Southern Levant
Female plaque figurines are the dominant type of anthropomorphic clay figurines in the Southern Levant of the Late Bronze Age. Unfortunately, there is no updated catalogue. The close study of fragments (the vast majority of the corpus) and of basic aspects (such as production modes, techniques, patterns of use/disposal) is at times overshadowed by the heated debate about the interpretation — the religious significance — of these figurines. We pub…
An Aegean Fire-Stand from Tel Nagila
In this short paper we present a detailed study of a unique ceramic vessel fragment that was found in the excavations at Tel Nagila. The interpretation of this fragment as an Aegean fire-stand has implications for our understanding of the origin and development of Philistine material culture in Iron Age Philistia
Heritage for Sale? A Case Study from Israel
The state-sponsored sale of archaeological objects is sometimes offered by persons from states rich in antiquities as a quick fix for budgetary problems, as a solution to storage crises, or as a way to combat the destruction of archaeological sites by looting. The state-run sale can be viewed as a compromise between those who support a free trade in antiquities and those who oppose it. In 2003, a daily newspaper in Israel reported that a scheme o…
Cult Stands of the Philistines A Genizah from Yavneh
Coinage before Coins? A Response
Iron Age Hoards of Precious Metals in Palestine – an 'Underground Economy'?
More than 20 hoards of precious metals (silver/gold) have been found in Iron Age contexts in Palestine. Most of them contain damaged or cut pieces of jewelry and shapeless pieces of silver ('Hacksilber'), often buried in small pottery vessels beneath floors. We do not know the identity of the owners of these hoards, and explanations for their concealment are, unfortunately, speculative. The tendency to relate every hoard of this type with metalsm…
Sacred Time, Sacred Space: Archaeology and the Religion of Israel . Barry M. Gittlen
Storage Wars 1, Curation 0
Morag Kersel's article is a valuable, clearly expressed contribution. There is a problem of storage of archaeological finds; its causes and possible remedies require discussion.An important observation, which shifts the focus of the discussion, concerns the distinction between two kinds of antiquities. For the sake of simplicity let us call them goodies and bulk items. The definitions vary between scholars, places, and times. Status is also deter…
The Inscribed Weights of the Kingdom of Judah
(1991). The Inscribed Weights of the Kingdom of Judah. Tel Aviv: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 121-163
Clay Figurines and Scale Weights from Tel Jezreel
(1997). Clay Figurines and Scale Weights from Tel Jezreel. Tel Aviv: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 110-121
Bone Considerations: Archaeology, Heritage, and Ethics at Mamilla, Jerusalem
Mamilla cemetery was one of the largest and most important Muslim cemeteries in Jerusalem. The plans to build a "Museum of Tolerance" in it led to heated protests and a prolonged legal procedure in Israel's Supreme Court of Justice. In 2008, the court approved the plans and many hundreds of graves were exhumed. Through the available sources, including the court's archival files, we discuss political, legal, and archaeological aspects of this case…
M iddle B ronze A ge Burials in the Southern Levant: Spartan Warriors or Ordinary People
Intermediate and M iddle B ronze A ge tombs with weapons (mainly daggers) in the southern Levant were often interpreted as ‘warrior graves’. Taking into consideration new data from R ishon L e‐ Z ion ( I srael), recent work on early warfare and warriors, and a study of so‐called ‘warrior graves’ in Mesopotamia ( R ehm 2003), we suggest that most of these graves are not graves of elite warriors, but typical male burials. We also discuss the assume…
Excavating to Excess? Implications of the Last Decade of Archaeology in Israel
For the first time, there exists a database about all archaeological fieldwork carried out in the state of Israel during the last decade. Documenting a total of 2200 excavation projects (excluding surveys), it shows that the numbers of all types of projects are constantly and sharply rising: the 153 excavations in 1989 more than doubled in 1998 to 333. Yet final publications lag far behind-an illogical situation, if archaeology is reckoned to be …
The Iron Age II Figurines and Zoomorphic Vessels of Tel Reḥov
Forty-nine Iron Age II anthropomorphic and zoomorphic clay figurines and vessels were found at Tel Reḥov. Clay was an inexpensive material and small figurines were a common item; yet, this small assemblage still holds surprises. All the figurines were published in Saarelainen and Kletter 2020. Here we present a selection of the figurines in order to illustrate their variety and aesthetic appeal, and also to demonstrate the difficulties in studyin…
Cult Stands of the Philistines A Genizah from Yavneh
The Rujm El-Malfuf Buildings and the Assyrian Vassal State of Ammon
This article deals with a series of round, rectangular, and square buildings in the land of Ammon. They were first noted by scholars in the 19th century, and since Glueck's surveys they usually have been explained as Ammonite border forts of Iron Age I. The present article, based on new data, suggests that these buildings had more than one function (i. e., forts, settlements, and agricultural facilities). Their date is mainly Assyrian (ca. 730-63…
The Inscribed Weights of the Kingdom of Judah
(1991). The Inscribed Weights of the Kingdom of Judah. Tel Aviv: Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 121-163
The Inscribed Weights of the Kingdom of Judah
Clay Figurines and Scale Weights from Tel Jezreel
Clay Figurines and Scale Weights from Tel Jezreel
(1997). Clay Figurines and Scale Weights from Tel Jezreel. Tel Aviv: Vol. 24, No. 1, pp. 110-121
Pots and Polities: Material Remains of Late Iron Age Judah in Relation to Its Political Borders
Archaeological studies during the last three decades have tended to draw a sharp separation between "pots" and "people." The latter are understood as ethnic units, but ethnicity is problematic to define and use in archaeology. On the other hand, political units or polities can be studied more easily, at least for historical periods. There are rich historical sources about political borders in the ancient Near East and Judah. During the later part…
A Middle Bronze Age II Type of Pottery Kiln from the Coastal Plain of Israel
Five MB II pottery kilns have recently been excavated in the Tel Aviv area. These kilns, together with kilns found previously, some of which are barely mentioned in the literature, form a large series of 14 MB II kilns known so far from this area. They are dated to the Middle Bronze IIB-C Period according to pottery wasters found in the kilns and related stratigraphic evidence. Almost all the kilns belong to one type – an elongated, vertical kiln…
Excavating to Excess? Implications of the Last Decade of Archaeology in Israel
For the first time, there exists a database about all archaeological fieldwork carried out in the state of Israel during the last decade. Documenting a total of 2200 excavation projects (excluding surveys), it shows that the numbers of all types of projects are constantly and sharply rising: the 153 excavations in 1989 more than doubled in 1998 to 333. Yet final publications lag far behind-an illogical situation, if archaeology is reckoned to be …
A Monkey Figurine from Tel Beth Shemesh
This paper presents a unique clay figurine found at Tel Beth Shemesh, Judah, in a late Iron Age II context. The figurine portrays a monkey‐faced horse, a combination that is rare in the ancient Near East and unknown, so far, from Judah. Comparisons are sought, followed by a discussion of the Monkey in small representations in the ancient Near East and Mesopotamia. Monkeys were exotic, held as pet animals by the higher classes and related to sex, …
Iron Age Hoards of Precious Metals in Palestine – an 'Underground Economy'?
More than 20 hoards of precious metals (silver/gold) have been found in Iron Age contexts in Palestine. Most of them contain damaged or cut pieces of jewelry and shapeless pieces of silver ('Hacksilber'), often buried in small pottery vessels beneath floors. We do not know the identity of the owners of these hoards, and explanations for their concealment are, unfortunately, speculative. The tendency to relate every hoard of this type with metalsm…
Sacred Time, Sacred Space: Archaeology and the Religion of Israel . Barry M. Gittlen
An Iron Age Hermaphrodite Centaur from Tel Beer Sheba, Israel
A unique clay figurine, now broken, was found in the excavations at Tel Beer Sheba in the Negev, one of a large corpus of about 350 Iron Age figurines from this site. It was found in a courtyard of a Level II building, dated to the late eighth century B. C. Though the locus is not completely secure, the Iron Age date is clear according to typology (the ware, whitewash, and general form are all typical of Iron Age II Judah). The figurine combines …
Coinage before Coins? A Response
Heritage for Sale? A Case Study from Israel
The state-sponsored sale of archaeological objects is sometimes offered by persons from states rich in antiquities as a quick fix for budgetary problems, as a solution to storage crises, or as a way to combat the destruction of archaeological sites by looting. The state-run sale can be viewed as a compromise between those who support a free trade in antiquities and those who oppose it. In 2003, a daily newspaper in Israel reported that a scheme o…
Cult Stands of the Philistines A Genizah from Yavneh
An Aegean Fire-Stand from Tel Nagila
In this short paper we present a detailed study of a unique ceramic vessel fragment that was found in the excavations at Tel Nagila. The interpretation of this fragment as an Aegean fire-stand has implications for our understanding of the origin and development of Philistine material culture in Iron Age Philistia
Beautiful From All Sides: Twice-moulded Figurines of the Southern Levant
Female plaque figurines are the dominant type of anthropomorphic clay figurines in the Southern Levant of the Late Bronze Age. Unfortunately, there is no updated catalogue. The close study of fragments (the vast majority of the corpus) and of basic aspects (such as production modes, techniques, patterns of use/disposal) is at times overshadowed by the heated debate about the interpretation — the religious significance — of these figurines. We pub…
Pyramidal Lead Objects: Scale Weights, Loom Weights, or Sinkers
Ancient scale weights are a key to understanding weight systems and types of economy, but their definition is notoriously difficult, and scholars tend to classify as weights a wide variety of objects. The present paper reassesses a series of pyramidal lead objects from Phoenicia, dated mostly to the Hellenistic period. In the last twenty years these objects have been regarded as scale weights—in fact, forming the largest category of assumed Phoen…
In the Footsteps of Bagira: Ethnicity, archaeology, and 'Iron I ethnic Israel
This article has two aims. The first is to show that the search for ethnicity in archaeology is dependent on the way ethnicity is defined and on written sources. The second is to review studies of Iron Age I 'ethnic Israel'. There is an ongoing, heated debate between 'maximalists' and 'minimalists', trying to prove or refute such identity. Which side in this debate is right
Storage Wars 1, Curation 0
Morag Kersel's article is a valuable, clearly expressed contribution. There is a problem of storage of archaeological finds; its causes and possible remedies require discussion.An important observation, which shifts the focus of the discussion, concerns the distinction between two kinds of antiquities. For the sake of simplicity let us call them goodies and bulk items. The definitions vary between scholars, places, and times. Status is also deter…
In Search of the “Israeli Method of Excavation”
In 1973 Yohanan Aharoni published a polemic against criticism of Israeli excavations by supporters of the Wheeler–Kenyon method of excavation. He claimed that a unique “Israeli method” of excavation was invented during the large 1950s’ excavations at Hazor, allegedly equal or even superior to the Wheeler–Kenyon method. Following Aharoni, the “Israeli method” became an accepted fact. Some archaeologists repeated Aharoni's story and harmonised the …
M iddle B ronze A ge Burials in the Southern Levant: Spartan Warriors or Ordinary People
Intermediate and M iddle B ronze A ge tombs with weapons (mainly daggers) in the southern Levant were often interpreted as ‘warrior graves’. Taking into consideration new data from R ishon L e‐ Z ion ( I srael), recent work on early warfare and warriors, and a study of so‐called ‘warrior graves’ in Mesopotamia ( R ehm 2003), we suggest that most of these graves are not graves of elite warriors, but typical male burials. We also discuss the assume…
Bone Considerations: Archaeology, Heritage, and Ethics at Mamilla, Jerusalem
Mamilla cemetery was one of the largest and most important Muslim cemeteries in Jerusalem. The plans to build a "Museum of Tolerance" in it led to heated protests and a prolonged legal procedure in Israel's Supreme Court of Justice. In 2008, the court approved the plans and many hundreds of graves were exhumed. Through the available sources, including the court's archival files, we discuss political, legal, and archaeological aspects of this case…
The first Melchizedek bottle? Notes on the Jerusalem iron IIA pithos inscription
The Jerusalem pithos inscription was found in 2012 in an Iron IIA (tenth century, High Chronology) context. Nine epigraphers have already tried to decipher this short Canaanite or Early-Alphabetic inscription, but their readings vary greatly. Galil, followed by Petrovich, boldly restores the words yyn ḥlq (‘inferior, poor wine’) and deduces that this is “the first Hebrew inscription” from Jerusalem. It supposedly relates to allocation of wine by …
Archaeology, Heritage and Ethics in the Western Wall Plaza, Jerusalem: Darkness at the End of the Tunnel
This volume is a critical study of recent archaeology in the Western Wall Plaza area, Jerusalem. Considered one of the holiest places on Earth for Jews and Muslims, it is also a place of controversy, where the State marks ‘our’ remains for preservation and adoration and ‘theirs’ for silencing. Based on thousands of documents from the Israel Antiquities Authority and other sources, such as protocols of planning committees, readers can explore for …
History (29 works) · Archaeology (23 works) · Archaeology and Historical Studies (23 works) · Ancient history (22 works) · Ancient Near East History (16 works) · Art (16 works) · History (15 works) · Ancient Egypt and Archaeology (14 works) · Geography (11 works) · Archaeological Research and Protection (7 works)