Ancient cult complex found in Israel

A massive cult complex, dating back about 3,300 years, has been discovered at the site of Tel Burna in Israel. While archaeologists have not fully excavated the entire complex, they can tell it was quite large, as the courtyard alone was 52 by 52 feet. Inside, researchers discovered three connected cups, fragments of facemasks, massive jars almost as big as a person and burnt animal bones that may indicate sacrificial rituals. The archaeologists said they aren’t sure who was worshipped at the complex, though Baal, the Canaanite storm god, is a possibility.

It is difficult to determine exactly who the masks are depicting and whether it is a specific image. In general, masks are known to have been used in cultic ceremonies and processions.

Itzhaq Shai, a professor at Ariel University who is directing a research project at Tel Burna

"The letters of Ugarit [an ancient site in modern-day Syria] suggest that of the Canaanite pantheon, Baal, the Canaanite storm god, would have been the most likely candidate," Itzhaq Shai, a professor at Ariel University who is directing a research project at Tel Burna, said. The researchers said they can’t rule out that a female deity, such as the ancient war goddess Anat, was worshipped there. The artifacts include fragments of two masks. While more analysis is needed, the discoveries shed light on some of the activities that took place in the cult complex. From the finds within the building, we can reconstruct the occurrence of feasts, indicated by several goblets and a large amount of animal bones. Some of these animal bones are burnt, probably indicating their use in some sacrificial activity.

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