Maeir, A. M., and Shai, I. 2015. The Origins of the “Late Philistine Decorated Ware”: A Note. Tel Aviv 42(1): 59–66.
A decade ago, the authors, along with D. Ben-Shlomo, defined Late Philistine Decorated Ware (LPDW, formerly Ashdod Ware) as typical of Iron IIA Philistia and discussed its origins and distribution. We suggested that the decorative syntax of this unique group could be traced to Iron I decorated Philistine pottery. This assertion was recently challenged by Faust, who suggested that its origins should be traced to Phoenician influence. Two LPDW sherds from Tell es-Safi/Gath that are decorated with the iconic Iron I Philistine bird design support our initial concept that the roots of the LPDW are in Iron I Philistia.
Gurwin, S., Goren, Y. and Lipschits, O. 2015. Structural, Technical and Petrographic Analysis of Bullae from the Samaria Papyri. Tel Aviv 42:89-102.
Twenty-two clay bullae associated with mid-4th century BCE Samaria Papyri from the cave of Wadi Daliyeh were subjected to structural, technical and petrographic examination. Results suggest that the bullae were all made in the Samaria region from several types of local soils. The technology and function of the bullae differ from those of earlier (Iron Age) Judahite bullae.
I thank the authors for sending along copies.
Zwinglius Redivivus 