A Turtle Dove Rhyton from the “Hyksos Palace” at Tell es-Sultan, Ancient Jericho

Archaeological excavations at Tell es-Sultan, the site of Ancient Jericho, have uncovered a significant ritual vessel—a turtle dove rhyton—from what is believed to be the 'Hyksos Palace.' This discovery not only provides insights into the symbolic and religious practices of the period but also sheds light on the architectural extent of the palace and an adjacent temple. The vessel's intricate depiction of turtle doves suggests its use in ceremonial rituals, contributing to our understanding of the cultural significance of these birds in ancient Near Eastern societies.

Nigro, L. (2019). A Turtle Dove Rhyton from the “Hyksos Palace” at Tell es-Sultan, Ancient Jericho. Pearls of the Past, 677–690. https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.18654695.38