Horse Figurine Israelite period 8th century B.C.E.

Replicated here is a handmade, schematic horse figurine painted with a geometrical pattern and bearing marks on its back and neck suggesting that it was originally mounted by a rider, which was probably broken off in antiquity. Similar figurines have been found along the Mediterranean coast. The design and high quality of this example suggest that it originated in Cyprus, which traded intensively with Israel in the First Temple period.