Tel Tsaf, Archaeological settlement in Jordan Valley, Israel
Tel Tsaf is a Neolithic settlement in the Jordan Valley in Israel dating to around 5300 years ago. The site reveals four architectural complexes with courtyards, rectangular rooms, and numerous cylindrical silos for storing grain beside a deep well.
Excavations reveal that people lived here during the Middle Chalcolithic period, roughly between the 53rd and 47th centuries before the present. This era marked early attempts at metalworking and the organization of permanent settlements.
The site displays crafted clay architectural models and painted pottery featuring red and black geometric patterns that reveal the artistic skills of its inhabitants. Clay figurines found here show what objects and forms held meaning for the people who lived in this settlement.
This archaeological site sits on a mound in a remote region and requires proper preparation before visiting. There are no facilities directly at the excavation site, so visitors should bring supplies and protection from the sun.
A burial of a woman was discovered wearing a belt made from more than 1600 ostrich eggshell beads, indicating trade connections and personal adornment. This extraordinary collection reveals that people here maintained connections to distant regions to obtain such rare materials.
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