This undated image made available by Israel Antiquities Authority on Wednesday Aug. 29, 2012 shows a rare stone age figurine that was found in digs last week prior to the widening of a major highway that connects Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. (AP Photo/Yael Yolovitch, Israel Antiquities Authority)

Israeli archeologists find rare stone age figures

The Associated Press

First Published Aug 29 2012 11:42 am • Last Updated Aug 29 2012 10:35 pm

Jerusalem • Israel’s Antiquities Authority says archeologists have unearthed two 9,500-year-old figurines near Jerusalem that help shed light on religion and society during the stone age.

It says archaeologists unearthed the two rare figurines last week in Tel Motza between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv during a dig ahead of the expansion of a major highway in the area.

One of the objects is shaped like a ram and made of limestone. The other depicts an ox and is made of dolomite. Both are 5.9 inches long.

The statement Wednesday said the figurines could have been either good luck hunting icons or a representation of the animal’s domestication.

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