An elusive ornamented pottery head, referred to as a faience mask, was found in a collective grave of two Dilmunian women and an infant, dating back 3,300 years.
The findings from the Hilla Site, named after the village of Hillat Abdul Saleh, were revealed at an archaeology conference held by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca).
Baca archaeologist Mashaal Al Shamsi, who showcased the discoveries, is currently in charge of ongoing excavations in Hilla, particularly of ancient soil layers belonging to the Middle Dilmun period.
Not much is known about the rare faience mask, a ceramic statue of a head that was buried with the dead, as it is only the second of its kind to be excavated in Bahrain.
“Further research needs to be conducted into the faience face – it’s one of these objects that haven’t been highly researched, especially in Bahrain,” Ms Al Shamsi said.
“There’s only one paper that mentions it, but we’re currently working on a publication about the beads and the mask.”
Other finds include two rings made of seashells, a sewing needle or an awl, a large vase, a ring made of seashells and kohl applicators recovered through the sifting of sand on the site.
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