One piece of evidence that securely connects the archaeological site of Qumran with the Dead Sea Scrolls is the distinctive tall jar on the right in this photograph. The oval object lying at its base is a bowl-shaped lid which fit securely over the top. These jars are large (up to 60 centimeters in height) with a disc or ring base, a short neck and a wide mouth.
These types of vessels are sometimes called 'scroll jars' because, according to one account, a row of these jars was discovered in Cave 1 at the time of the first discovery in 1946. Most were empty, but one contained three scrolls, two of which were wrapped in linen. Because they were stored in jars, the scrolls were in excellent condition upon discovery. These types of jars were also discovered at the site of Qumran in contexts dated after 31 BCE, including an intact example sunk in the floor and covered with a limestone slab. The jars are in fact quite common at Qumran and in the caves, but only rarely found at sites elsewhere, leading scholars to believe they were made at the Qumran site.
These types of vessels are sometimes called 'scroll jars' because, according to one account, a row of these jars was discovered in Cave 1 at the time of the first discovery in 1946. Most were empty, but one contained three scrolls, two of which were wrapped in linen. Because they were stored in jars, the scrolls were in excellent condition upon discovery. These types of jars were also discovered at the site of Qumran in contexts dated after 31 BCE, including an intact example sunk in the floor and covered with a limestone slab. The jars are in fact quite common at Qumran and in the caves, but only rarely found at sites elsewhere, leading scholars to believe they were made at the Qumran site.
Primary Source
- Jodi Magness, 2002. The Archaeology of the Dead Sea Scrolls. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
