Hi, all. Here are four of the mysterious lead sea shells from the coastal
area around
Caesarea. Lionel
Holland has published a wonderful book called "
Weights and Weight-like Objects from
Caesarea Maritima" Hadera, 2009, which is currently available for free on Academia.edu., along with
his many other very interesting articles. In there he has photos and measures of nearly 80 of the shells, ranging from the largest, at 126.4 grams, to the smallest, at 4.35grams, all from
Caesarea. The
weights seem to be random and fit no known pattern of measure. There have been many theories as to the use of these objects, ranging from
weights, to sling-stones (unlikely according to
Holland, since they are neither uniform,
nor aerodynamic), or
bulk lead metal by
weight, and others. The method of casting may also have various explanations. I will try to add some more detailed photos of the other three from our
collection, soon.
Holland reports of a few other lead shells found at sites within
Israel. However, the vast majority seem to come from
Caesarea, and
Holland knew of no examples from other regions. Any ideas or opinions are welcome.
BCC LC1
Lead
Cockle Shell
41 x 39 x 17mm
weight 106.7 gram
Surface find from
CaesareaMaritima, 1972
cf. Holland C6
BCC LC1-LC4 composite
LC1=106.7 gram
LC2=52.15
LC3=64.6
LC4=34.15, with casting sprue
(click for higher
res.)