---
title: Plastered Skull from Jericho
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10055/plastered-skull-from-jericho/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Plastered Skull from Jericho

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Plastered Skull from Jericho](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10055.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/10055.jpg)

## Image Caption

People invented plaster during the [Neolithic period](https://www.worldhistory.org/Neolithic/) by burning limestone. This new material was used in daily life and for cultic practices. A new tradition also appeared then, that of plastering skulls of the deceased, which were removed after [burial](https://www.worldhistory.org/burial/) when the flesh had decayed. The face was molded onto the skull with plaster and shells were placed as eyes and lined with bitumen. These skulls were kept inside houses; therefore, they may represent an ancestral cult. Pre-[Pottery](https://www.worldhistory.org/pottery/) [Neolithic](https://www.worldhistory.org/Neolithic/) B, 8800-6900 BCE. From Jericho, modern-day Palestinian Territories. (The [Jordan](https://www.worldhistory.org/Jordan/) Museum, Amman, Jordan).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2019, February 19). Plastered Skull from Jericho. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10055/plastered-skull-from-jericho/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Plastered Skull from Jericho." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 19, 2019. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10055/plastered-skull-from-jericho/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Plastered Skull from Jericho." *World History Encyclopedia*, 19 Feb 2019, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10055/plastered-skull-from-jericho/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 19 February 2019. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.