Re: [Megillot] J. Post on Qumran (problematic)

[RUSSELLGMIRKIN]

Dave,

I recently read the proposal that Dead Sea bitumen was used as the fuel for the Qumran pottery kiln.  The fumes would be fairly noxious, and so for the privileged class residents of Jericho it would be advantageous if pottery made with this local fuel was made outside Jericho itself (i.e. some at Qumran).  It is now certain that a significant proportion of Qumran pottery was made with Jericho clay.  (It will be very interesting to see the results of testing for the clay Magen found at Qumran.)

The article's explanation of the use of pottery to cover up meal remains at Qumran to prevent scavenging by jackals and other scavengers (one should include dogs in the list) is of course an improvement over the old theories that saw some esoteric religious significance in this.

Best regards,
Russell Gmirkin

Broshi certainly didn't address the layers of clay etc. in his
comments, just made some lame comments about presence of fuel and the
difficulties of transporting pottery.  But pottery was transported all over
the ANE from earliest times, so that comment seems to be a smokescreen.  As
for wood, the same caravans transporting pottery could easily transport wood
and other fuels.  So Broshi really hasn't said anything (at least printed in
the article) that really shows the idea to be "rubbish."  It will be
fascinating to see where this leads.

--
Dave Washburn