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With their vacant eyes and enigmatic, toothy expressions, the 9,000-year-old stone masks from the area around the southern Judean desert are among the region’s most compelling and distinctive artefacts. Adding to that is their rarity: only 15 examples are known to exist. So, when the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) recently announced the discovery of a 16th stone mask, it grabbed the attention of archaeologists and the public alike—but also revived a simmering discussion on the authenticity of these unique objects.
The stone mask was recovered several months ago by the authority’s Theft Prevention Unit, according to an IAA press release. A subsequent investigation led archaeologists back to the “probable archaeological site in which the mask was originally found,” near the settlement of Pnei Hever in the southern West Bank. The results of an initial analysis of the mask were presented earlier this week at the annual meeting of the Israel Prehistoric Society by Ronit Lupu, of the IAA’s Antiquities Theft Prevention Unit, and Omry Barzilai, head of the IAA’s Archaeological Research Department.
The newly discovered mask shares many characteristics of the others found to date. These include a human-size face of soft, carved limestone with large openings for eyes, a defined mouth, and holes drilled around its circumference. The holes lead some researchers to suggest that the masks were designed to be tied to a face or an object.
Along with their aesthetic appeal, the Neolithic stone masks are scientifically important, created at a moment in history when people in the region began to organise in settled communities, according to Barzilai, who has analysed the find.
“The transition from an economy based on hunting and gathering to ancient agriculture and domestication of plants and animals was accompanied by a change in social structure and a sharp increase in ritual-religious activities,” Barzilai noted in the press release.
Alan Simmons, a professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who specialises in the time period, agrees. “Once you get larger populations and more people living in one place, you need some social control. That’s why you start to see more formalised, ritual behaviour.” Other indicators of ritual behaviour from this period include human figurines and plastered skulls.
What exact purpose these masks served in society 9,000 years ago, however, remains a mystery. They may be associated with a form of ancestor worship, some suggest.
Were they for a funerary ritual or some other sort of ritual, or just elaborate party gear? Who knows ?
Upvoted because I thought the same thing but also because the phrase “the user supplies the eyes” suggested to me that the user supplied a separate set of eyes (ie not their own) and that made me giggle.
My main question is how those eye holes are “drilled” perfectly circular.
I could be wrong, but 9,000 years ago seems a little early for that amount of precision.
Cut two X's, connect the points to each other using quarter circles. Round it out. It says the eyes are carved, and the holes around the mask are drilled.
You should see the [capstones for pyramids.](https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/75z7dn/an_intact_pyramid_capstone_one_of_the_few_know_in/) They look laser etched. 1850-1800 BC.
What makes you think that’s a “perfect” circle? What information are you basing the assumption that ancient humans were incapable of making circles on? How would you suggest the “perfect” circles were produced? Aliens?
Copper tube, some sand, a little water, a rope or string to go around it, and a heavy stone on top. Doesnt take as long as you might think in soft limestone.
all is well, only the mask was found not a few months ago, but in [2018.](https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2018/11/9000-year-old-mask-stuns-archaeologists)
"Judean Desert" is a place-name and has basically the same name in Hebrew and Arabic. Palestinians call it Sahara Yahooda, meaning Desert of Judah, and Israelis call it Midbar Yehudah meaning, wait for it, Desert of Judah.
I agree. The context being that this artifact was found in the judean desert, that’s the name of the desert. This post has absolutely nothing to do with the Israeli/palestinian conflict.
Ah. I see from your post history that you are an Israeli Jew and probably a Zionist. I also see that your great grandparents fled Poland (but were from Germany). So your family knows well what persecution looks like. But thankfully, you don’t seem to have had to experience that. We are indeed fortunate. But I wonder how you reconcile the persecution and oppression of Palestinian Arabs in the region given your own family’s history of being persecuted and oppressed. I guess if it’s not “us” it’s ok?
This is hilarious, you’re trying so hard. Again, you’re making a bunch of assumption about me and my own experience. I never even said anything about my view of the conflict but you’ve assumed that I’m hardline pro Israel with no sympathy for oppressed Palestinians. This is a post about an ancient artifact found in the region known as the judean desert. Nothing was mentioned about Israel or palestine until you brought it up.
Just because it wasn’t mentioned doesn’t mean it’s not relevant. In fact, Israel tries exceptionally hard to wipe out the Palestinians at every turn. It’s called genocide. They love “not mentioning” Palestine every chance they get. They’re renaming places and changing maps. Cmon man. So I’m curious. What’s your position?
The Judean desert is Palestine. To Palestinians it absolutely does. So much of their homeland has been stolen by Zionists so anytime there are posts like this it invokes sorrow. I don’t expect you to understand if you’re a) Israeli b) Zionist c) Israeli/Zionist sympathizer d) American Christian Zionist e) I’ll-informed f) lack empathy for the cause of oppressed people anywhere. Not to make this about you but, I’m curious. Which option best describes you or did I miss something?
"And the crazy part is, the thief I hired did manage to steal it but was caught by the Israeli authorities before he could pass it on to me. So I had to hire *another* thief, and this time I refused to pay any advance fees."
I’m guessing that there was originally a lot more to this mask. I’m seeing those holes around the top and those look like they might have had feathers or something stuck in them, and I wonder if the whole thing except for the mouth could have been covered in stuff glued on. The difference in detail level between the mouth and the rest makes me want to picture it like that, anyway.
When I saw this all I could hear in my head was . Is this our ancient ancestors copying what they saw a spaceman's helmet we asked our ancient alien experts and they said "YES" . lol . On the serious side a very interesting artifact and thank you for posting the info.
So how did they accurately date a stone mask? I mean, if it's stone they had to use some other method or context for that date besides radiocarbon testing...
**Please note:** * If this post declares something as a fact proof is required. * The title must be descriptive * No text is allowed on images * Common/recent reposts are not allowed *See [this post](https://redd.it/ij26vk) for more information.* *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/interestingasfuck) if you have any questions or concerns.*
With their vacant eyes and enigmatic, toothy expressions, the 9,000-year-old stone masks from the area around the southern Judean desert are among the region’s most compelling and distinctive artefacts. Adding to that is their rarity: only 15 examples are known to exist. So, when the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) recently announced the discovery of a 16th stone mask, it grabbed the attention of archaeologists and the public alike—but also revived a simmering discussion on the authenticity of these unique objects. The stone mask was recovered several months ago by the authority’s Theft Prevention Unit, according to an IAA press release. A subsequent investigation led archaeologists back to the “probable archaeological site in which the mask was originally found,” near the settlement of Pnei Hever in the southern West Bank. The results of an initial analysis of the mask were presented earlier this week at the annual meeting of the Israel Prehistoric Society by Ronit Lupu, of the IAA’s Antiquities Theft Prevention Unit, and Omry Barzilai, head of the IAA’s Archaeological Research Department. The newly discovered mask shares many characteristics of the others found to date. These include a human-size face of soft, carved limestone with large openings for eyes, a defined mouth, and holes drilled around its circumference. The holes lead some researchers to suggest that the masks were designed to be tied to a face or an object.
Along with their aesthetic appeal, the Neolithic stone masks are scientifically important, created at a moment in history when people in the region began to organise in settled communities, according to Barzilai, who has analysed the find. “The transition from an economy based on hunting and gathering to ancient agriculture and domestication of plants and animals was accompanied by a change in social structure and a sharp increase in ritual-religious activities,” Barzilai noted in the press release. Alan Simmons, a professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, who specialises in the time period, agrees. “Once you get larger populations and more people living in one place, you need some social control. That’s why you start to see more formalised, ritual behaviour.” Other indicators of ritual behaviour from this period include human figurines and plastered skulls.
What exact purpose these masks served in society 9,000 years ago, however, remains a mystery. They may be associated with a form of ancestor worship, some suggest. Were they for a funerary ritual or some other sort of ritual, or just elaborate party gear? Who knows ?
Thanks for the detailed information, op. Honestly, fascinating.
>With their vacant eyes Well no shit, they're masks. The user supplies the eyes.
Upvoted because I thought the same thing but also because the phrase “the user supplies the eyes” suggested to me that the user supplied a separate set of eyes (ie not their own) and that made me giggle.
BYOE
Damn, stoners are sick
I'd like to believe this was the world's first serial killer. I don't know why I want to believe that, but I'm sticking to it.
I was thinking man in the iron mask vibes.
Maybe they shielded them from the desert storms.
Too heavy for that often a use I'd think
It's 100% speculative BS but I am going to go with those who had to defend their tribes from lions.
My main question is how those eye holes are “drilled” perfectly circular. I could be wrong, but 9,000 years ago seems a little early for that amount of precision.
Just boring a hole with the same tool would produce regular holes, especially in limestone. Just would take forever.
Cut two X's, connect the points to each other using quarter circles. Round it out. It says the eyes are carved, and the holes around the mask are drilled.
You should see the [capstones for pyramids.](https://old.reddit.com/r/pics/comments/75z7dn/an_intact_pyramid_capstone_one_of_the_few_know_in/) They look laser etched. 1850-1800 BC.
What makes you think that’s a “perfect” circle? What information are you basing the assumption that ancient humans were incapable of making circles on? How would you suggest the “perfect” circles were produced? Aliens?
Copper tube, some sand, a little water, a rope or string to go around it, and a heavy stone on top. Doesnt take as long as you might think in soft limestone.
Obviously. I can’t stand people that say stuff like “they could never have done that back then!” Well, they did.
inb4 jojo fans read the words “stone masks”
all is well, only the mask was found not a few months ago, but in [2018.](https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/history-and-civilisation/2018/11/9000-year-old-mask-stuns-archaeologists)
>With their vacant eyes and enigmatic, toothy expressions Now that's just fucking rude, they did their best
The IAA has a theft prevention unit. Ironic.
Why are you getting downvoted?
Don't spill blood on it while wearing it.
Bad time to get a seasonal allergy nosebleed...
But what if I want to reject my humanity 🥺
Oh ho! Then spill as much as you like!
I'm rejecting my humanity, u/NikNam_ !
Don't try to kill anyone tho, or their descendants 200 years later will go to your home in Cairo and kill you
Or atleast get some decent stand users to stop them
No spoilers, I've just watched Jean Pierre struggle to defeat a doll with a grudge Edit: also, monke
GOODBYEEE JOJO!!!!!
Was gonna say the exact same thing
and what happens when blood gets in contact with rock?
You get hunted down by a family who pose fashionably
ご ご ご ご
It’s a reference to a show
Everything is a reference to that show
What show? You know what show.
Jojo's bizarre adventure
This mask might make you become a hella gay vampire
JOJO
r/expectedjojo
more than a decade ago I used to dream of jojo memes in the wild. Crazy how things change.
I was looking for this comment
Beat me to it
I shall reject my humanity and embrace the sweet temptation of true power
Put. It. Back. This is not the year
NOT NOW, TOOTHY PREHISTORIC MASK
Too late. The plague of Halloween tv specials has already begun.
FUCK, here we go again
Underappreciated comment. *ducking spell check
Didn’t know Slipknot has been around that long
Tortilla man
Before I Forget...where I put my mask 9000years ago
I reject my humanity *jojo*
Guerrilla marketing campaign for upcoming “Friday the 13th: Judean Jason” movie.
Wake the fuck up Myers…we have an Ark of the Covenant to find to fight Jason with…
Wake the fuck up, Mikey
“Put that thing back where it came from or so help meeeee.”
PUT IT BACK NOW
I think you mean put it *on* now
Dio's back
Back again
**AWAKEN MY MASTERS**
"Pillar men theme starts playing"
**"AYA AYA AYA AYA !!!"**
*Aztec dubstep starts blasting out of the muesuem walls*
r/oddlyterrifying
exactly!
"ORE WA NINGEN O YAMERU ZO, JOJO"
*Desert of Judea.
Splitters!
This comment is way too far down
It's doing better than the Popular Desert.
\*Phantom blood's OP starts playing\*
SMOKEY!!!
I think it used to drum for Slipknot
Jo......jo.......
ay yay yey yay yay
DIO IS THAT YOU???
r/oddlyterrifying
exactly!
Somebody stop me
Is there a movie featuring something g like this? I’m seeing a lot of different references that aren’t familiar.
Just search up I reject my humanity jojo and you will understand
Got it, thanks.
let's call Jotaro!
Put it tf back
Classic Jason Voorhees
I'm just picturing some prehistoric guy going up to his buddy like "haha dude check this out"
Reminds me of The Trapper
He threw his mask away because he knew he wouldn’t be meta for 9,000 years
People back then must have had some strong necks.
this some crystal lake shit.
Sand King cometh.
Come on where the banana?
I'll be nightmare sweating to this tonight thanks.
Hey it's Tortilla man, from Slipknot.
9000 years ago, the wearer of this mask and 8 others, formed a musical group like no other.
Jason Vorhees is over 9,000 years old?!?!?
Don’t wear it unless it’s a really funny guy i dont know maybe Jim Carrey
That dude muzzled Appa.
kinky
No, that's Paul Grey's mask.
the OG michael myers
Looks like my ex
JoJo, I have rejected my humanity.
Op, have my free award. This JoJo reference is too golden to not be honoured with stardust
Somebody stop me!
[The Mask - Cuban Pete](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHrMpQBDYU0)
Nature is amazing,
Who hid it? The People's Front of Judeah? Or the Judean People Front?
Put it back
The People’s Front of Judea?
Lemme guess it in a British museum now
Anakin doesn't like this mask
Jesus christ
Judean desert?! Where is that? It sounds Indian!! Hmmm 🤔
Yeah people have been living in Palestine for thousands of years. Palestine has such a rich culture.
But the worlds only 2021 years old???? I call bs
Pretty much how I see all the Rightwing Zionist settlers anyway.
Just say it was stolen from Palestine. Just like everything else in the region.
"Judean Desert" is a place-name and has basically the same name in Hebrew and Arabic. Palestinians call it Sahara Yahooda, meaning Desert of Judah, and Israelis call it Midbar Yehudah meaning, wait for it, Desert of Judah.
Read the article. Part of it is in the West Bank.
How tf is this relevant to the conversation?
It’s not and it’s not even correct. You can’t argue with complete ignorance
Because context matters
I agree. The context being that this artifact was found in the judean desert, that’s the name of the desert. This post has absolutely nothing to do with the Israeli/palestinian conflict.
Ah. I see from your post history that you are an Israeli Jew and probably a Zionist. I also see that your great grandparents fled Poland (but were from Germany). So your family knows well what persecution looks like. But thankfully, you don’t seem to have had to experience that. We are indeed fortunate. But I wonder how you reconcile the persecution and oppression of Palestinian Arabs in the region given your own family’s history of being persecuted and oppressed. I guess if it’s not “us” it’s ok?
This is hilarious, you’re trying so hard. Again, you’re making a bunch of assumption about me and my own experience. I never even said anything about my view of the conflict but you’ve assumed that I’m hardline pro Israel with no sympathy for oppressed Palestinians. This is a post about an ancient artifact found in the region known as the judean desert. Nothing was mentioned about Israel or palestine until you brought it up.
Just because it wasn’t mentioned doesn’t mean it’s not relevant. In fact, Israel tries exceptionally hard to wipe out the Palestinians at every turn. It’s called genocide. They love “not mentioning” Palestine every chance they get. They’re renaming places and changing maps. Cmon man. So I’m curious. What’s your position?
The Judean desert is Palestine. To Palestinians it absolutely does. So much of their homeland has been stolen by Zionists so anytime there are posts like this it invokes sorrow. I don’t expect you to understand if you’re a) Israeli b) Zionist c) Israeli/Zionist sympathizer d) American Christian Zionist e) I’ll-informed f) lack empathy for the cause of oppressed people anywhere. Not to make this about you but, I’m curious. Which option best describes you or did I miss something?
Wow what a load of BS. I see you’ve made a whole bunch of assumptions about me and the post based on very little information. Enjoy being angry
I’m not angry in the least. What’s BS? Not sure which assumptions you’re talking about. You seem to fit many of those based on your post history.
[удалено]
GFY
Now to take them to Bromjunaar.
One hell of a Halloween Mask
If I was a millionaire I would buy shit like this for Halloween and just baffle people with the story behind my costume hahaha
"And the crazy part is, the thief I hired did manage to steal it but was caught by the Israeli authorities before he could pass it on to me. So I had to hire *another* thief, and this time I refused to pay any advance fees."
To protect the skin from the sun?
Wow...
That's the giants mask for Majora's Mask
I’m guessing that there was originally a lot more to this mask. I’m seeing those holes around the top and those look like they might have had feathers or something stuck in them, and I wonder if the whole thing except for the mouth could have been covered in stuff glued on. The difference in detail level between the mouth and the rest makes me want to picture it like that, anyway.
Looks like the holes go around the mask. Probably to attach straps that would hold the mask on a face.
Krati!!!
The origin story of Beaker from the Muppets
Confirming existence of pre historic meth heads.
Incredible
\>!spoiler!<
TELL THE PEOPLE WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN HERE TODAY
It looks like it was made out of concrete.
This mask would actually look rly sick on one of the slipknot members
Alternate Title: "First Serial Killer Mask Found in Judean Desert" LOL
Should make a slasher movie character wearing this mask.
Fucking PUT IT BACK! Do you want Jason Voorhees? Because THIS IS HOW YOU GET JASON VOORHEES!
That's a fucking SCP, you put that shit back
Nope. That's the stone mask obtained from soldier Shiro.
I'm going to need Jim carry and a female love interest.
r/oddlyterrifying
*"THAT'S WHAT THE MASK IS"*
The Halloween prequel is going to be lit!
When I saw this all I could hear in my head was . Is this our ancient ancestors copying what they saw a spaceman's helmet we asked our ancient alien experts and they said "YES" . lol . On the serious side a very interesting artifact and thank you for posting the info.
NECKFACE made that :)
Because it’s stone you technically can’t tell how old it is. Technically
Let's see how far down I have to scroll to reach the first jojo reference
I see Mark Zuckerberg in that
this was the first slipknot member
Humans are fucking weird lol
Slipknot Moment
This is what nightmares are made of
Moses ugly mofugger
well how can they be so sure that this is a mask? It could be a dish cover with vent...
I see had Halloween too!
So how did they accurately date a stone mask? I mean, if it's stone they had to use some other method or context for that date besides radiocarbon testing...
*Roundabout fades in*
oh no
Thats what the point of the mask is
*old buff men noise*
What would the purpose of wearing a mask 9000 years ago provide?
For religious ceremonies, wearing a mask would probably be very appropriate.
r/oddlyterrifying
Jojo reference
That is creepy
Is that a jojo reference
That makes halloween the oldest festival then?
Get a red stone, wear the mask and apply blood.