Badè Museum of Biblical Archaeology

From Seeds to Celebration

(September 2, 2011-Spring, 2012; Badè Museum Gallery)

There were many occasions in ancient Israel that warranted a feast. Both the Hebrew Bible and archaeological research provide us with valuable information about the way the biblical peoples feasted during the Iron Age. Many feasts were associated with religious observances and holidays, though feasting could also play a role in more mundane activities, such as community building projects. The scale of Israelite feasts could also differ. Those held more frequently were often smaller and were hosted by individual households for their families, a few close friends, and neighbors. Larger feasts, in contrast, involved the entire community and were often supplied by elite households, the king, or priestly class. There were strict regulations governing these gatherings regarding who ate what, and where each person sat. In this way the feast reinforced the existing social order. Three examples of such community-wide events include feasts celebrating the harvest; unleavened bread, which is known more commonly as Passover; and the festival of booths, which commemorated an annual practice when the Israelites temporarily lived in shelters in their fields in order to protect the olive trees just before their annual harvest. Weekly and monthly feasts were held on the Sabbath and the New Moon respectfully.

An example of one of the better-known feasts is the Marzeah, which is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and was perhaps the most infamous of all of the Israelite feasts. This feast is thought to be a part of the mourning rituals that took place after the death of an individual. Amos describes this elaborate feast as including the most luxurious aspects of society, and thus it was likely reserved for its wealthiest members.

They lie on beds of ivory and sprawl on their couches, eating lambs from the flock, and calves from the stall. They sing to the tune of the harp, and like David improvise song. They drink wine from bowls, and smear themselves with choicest oils. (Amos 6:4-6)

Though the details of the many feasts may differ, each one played an important role in Israelite culture, ritual, social hierarchies, and the strength of community bonds.

Tell en-Nasbeh

(Permanent Display; Badè Museum Gallery)

This exhibit is the "heart and soul" of the Badè Museum. It displays a wealth of finds from the excavations at Tell en-Nasbeh, Palestine whose objects span from the Early Bronze Age (3100–2200 BC) through the Iron Age (1200–586 BC) and into the Roman and Hellenistic periods.

Highlights of the exhibit include "Tools of the Trade" featuring real archaeological tools used by Badè and his team, an oil lamp typology, a Second Temple period (586 BC–70 AD) limestone ossuary, and a selection of painted Greek pottery.