Persian and Hellenistic terracotta figurines from Maresha : Aspects of succession and modification

The ancient city of Maresha in Israel, situated in the Judean hills, used to be a major town in the region of Idumea during the Persian and Hellenistic period. Excavations at the site have yielded rich finds, including hundreds of terracotta figurines, dated from Iron Age II, through Persian, to Hellenistic period. Most of the terracotta came from the rich fills of the subterranean complexes in Maresha, thus their primary context and function is not certain, and probably domestic. The Persian terracottas are typical to Idumea in that period, and the assemblage resembles others from sites in the region, like Tel Lachish and Tel Halif. The Maresha repertory differs from other neighboring sites, such as Tel Sippor and Tel Safi, in lacking almost any Classical Types. The predominant types are the Persian rider, the mother holding her child, and standing males and females. Many of the figurines depict heroes or deities, but as normally in Levantine iconography, the figures can neither be identified nor named. The terracottas of the Hellenistic period from Maresha show a great change in their types, style and iconography. They are much more versatile, and many of them reflect the Hellenistic koine. However, a close look at the repertory reveals aspects of succession from the previous period. The rider remained a main issue in Hellenistic terracottas, although this type became more delicate and diverse. The theme of motherhood lasted in a new Greek manner. Other characteristics of eastern figurines can be observed in the Hellenistic terracottas, such as conservatism, sacred nature and poor workmanship. Most interesting is a unique group of homed vessels (rhyta), made after Achaemenid tradition, yet bearing Hellenistic attributes. The Hellenistic figurines from Maresha represent two contrasted tendencies of change and continuity from former periods.