Wooden Comb found at Wadi Murabba'at

One of the arguments against the presence of many women at Qumran is the comparison of the site assemblage at other similarly dated sites, such as Wadi Murabba'at. Archaeological evidence used for the presence of women includes the presence of such items as spindle whorls (for textile production), cosmetic spoons, mirrors, and this wooden comb, recovered from the caves at Wadi Murabba'at. Such objects were by and large not found at Qumran.

Primary Source

• Jodi Magness, 2002. The Archaeology of the Dead Sea Scrolls. William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

For More Information

• Archaeology of the Dead Sea Scrolls
• Pacific Science Center Exhibition: The Dead Sea Scrolls
• The Israeli Antiquities Authority