Ancient Christian figurines discovered in 1,500-year-old desert graves

Ancient Christian figurines discovered in 1,500-year-old desert graves

Rare discovery of well-preserved artifacts shows Israel was a 'crossroads of cultures' 1,500 years ago

Well-preserved ebony wood carvings from 1,500 years ago reveal a diverse Negev community, according to officials. (Svetlana Talis & Dafna Gazit; Israel Antiquities Authority)

Archaeologists uncovered rare artifacts from an ancient African Christian community in Israel. (Svetlana Talis / Israel Antiquities Authority)

Israeli researchers say the wooden figurines suggest that an ancient African community maintained traditions after converting to Christianity. (Dafna Gazit / Israel Antiquities Authority)

The ancient artifacts were found during an excavation at Tel Malḥata, located in the Arad Valley. (Svetlana Talis / Israel Antiquities Authority)