Tel Eter Excavation – Sept 2025 – Week Summary by John DeLancey
It was a privilege to help with the Tel Eter excavation this year. For there past few years, I have been trying to help with digs around the country of Israel. This was my 9th excavation. While Tel Eter is not a large and well-known site, Ariel University led this excavation following their most extensive dig nearby at Tel Burna (biblical Libnah). I dug with the Ariel team at Burna a few years ago.
What is included in this brief summary are primarily photos that I took this past week. Based on the pottery found here, the ruins date primarily from the “Iron Age 2” period (9th century BC and later). Wall structures were found (most likely residential homes or terracing walls and not fortification structures) these last two weeks.
“It was a privilege to help the Tel Eter archaeological excavation this past week. Led by the staff at Ariel University, Tel Eter is a small tel in the southern Shephelah (lowlands). It is mentioned in Joshua 15.”
Horse Figurine
Among the more interesting discoveries was a horse figurine. I actually found it (humbling) in the area where I was digging. It dates to the Iron Age 2 Period, specifically to around 850 BC (give or take). While only a portion of the front legs and the body of this figurine are still intact, the back legs are missing completely. When these “horse figurines” have been uncovered elsewhere at other sites around Israel, sometimes an accompanying rider has been discovered as well. Not so the case here (believe me I looked for the missing legs and the rider HA). Well-preserved “horse and rider” figurines are displayed in the Israel Museum. It has been suggested that these horse figurines had a cultic purpose in the days of Judah.
I also found a weight of some kind and purpose. Made from stone, this kind of weight may have been used for fishing or a domestic purpose. In contrast, the lune weights (for weaving) were made of clay and had a different shape to them. This weight also is most likely from the Iron Age 2 Period as well.
There is one more day at the site. This last day is reserved for cleaning up the three open squares for photos, tearing down the shade canopy, and erected a fence around the site. It was a positive experience with great people! Thank you Dr. Itsick and Dr. Debbie for having me!
Enjoy these random photos:
