This ceramic figure was excavated from Beth Shean, one of the largest ancient cities in Palestine. It was found in CN 105 (the archaeological designation for the North Cemetery) and specifically inside a tomb. This figurine specifically depicts a woman carrying a child on her shoulder. She is wearing a pleated skirt and what appears to be a fringed top and is holding the child on her left shoulder and slightly above her head. Her skirt retains traces of the reddish brown hue that is typical of Byzantine pottery from the 4th-6th century, achieved by painting the pottery with a red slip before firing. Furthermore, it’s evident that this figurine was made in a mold, meaning it was mass produced and likely easily attainable.

—Miranda Aebersold-Burke

Catalogue Record, Penn Museum