Rom Navot, Excavation Director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, with the rare seal. Photo Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority. A remarkably rare and unique stone seal from the , dating back approximately 2,700 years, was unearthed near the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount in the Davidson Garden during excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority and the City of David organization.
The seal features a name inscribed in paleo-Hebrew script and a winged figure. The object, which was engraved with mirror writing, served as both an amulet and a tool for legally signing documents and certificates. It has a convex cut on each side and a hole drilled through its length, allowing it to be strung onto a chain and worn around the neck.
In its center, a figure is depicted in profile, possibly a king, with wings. The figure is wearing a long, striped shirt and striding towards the right. It has a mane of long curls covering the nape of the neck and is adorned with a hat or crown.
The figure raises one arm forward with an open palm, perhaps suggesting an object it is holding. On both sides of the figure, an inscription is engraved in paleo-Hebrew script: “LeYehoʼezer ben Hoshʼayahu.” According to Dr.
Yuval Baruch and Navot Rom, excavation directors on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “The seal, made of black stone, is one of the most beautiful ever discovered in excavations in ancient Jerusalem, and is executed at the highest artistic l.