Statue with a Large Basin

Statue with a Large Basin

This large basalt basin with a headless statue behind it was found at Hazor.  It dates to the Late Bronze Age (15th–13th Centuries B.C.).  It was found in the throne room of the palace/temple shattered into hundreds of fragments in the fire that destroyed the city.

It is unique, but there seem to be links to Syrian and Hittite art.  Note the rolling spiral design.  The headless figure wears a pendant in the shape of a crescent with an eight-rayed stay—symbols of a deity.  However, there is no way of telling whether the figure is that of a god or a ruler.

It probably served in religious rites.

Commentary from the display in the Israel Museum.