In March 2021, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), in collaboration with the Civil Administration’s Archaeology Department, announced a groundbreaking archaeological discovery: the world’s oldest intact woven basket, dating back approximately 10,500 years to the Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN) period. The basket was unearthed in the Muraba‘at Cave in the Judean Desert, Israel, during a survey operation aimed at protecting artifacts from looters. This find not only sheds light on ancient weaving techniques but also provides profound insights into the cultural and technological practices of humans thousands of years ago.
Discovery Context
The basket was found in the Muraba‘at Cave, one of hundreds of caves in the Judean Desert, where the arid climate has remarkably preserved organic materials. The survey was part of an IAA initiative to catalog and safeguard artifacts in the region before they could be stolen by looters and sold on the black market. Remarkably, the basket was discovered just 10 centimeters from where looters had stopped digging, narrowly escaping destruction.
Dr. Haim Cohen, an archaeologist from the IAA, described this as “the most exciting discovery” of his career. The basket was perfectly preserved, complete with a lid, and contained only a small amount of soil. Researchers analyzed samples from four different parts of the basket using radiocarbon dating, confirming it was crafted around 10,500 years ago during the PPN period—a time when humans were transitioning to settled agricultural communities but had not yet developed pottery.
Characteristics of the Basket
The basket has a capacity of approximately 92 liters (some sources note up to 100 liters), suggesting it was likely used for storing food or other items. Dr. Cohen revealed that the basket was woven by two individuals, one of whom was left-handed, indicating collaborative craftsmanship. This detail offers a unique glimpse into the labor organization and skills of the time.
Dr. Naama Sukenik from the IAA’s Organic Material Department explained that the Judean Desert’s dry climate was crucial in preserving organic materials like the basket, which would typically decompose in other environments. Researchers are still analyzing the plant material used to weave the basket, but they have already confirmed it as a masterpiece of Neolithic weaving technology.
Historical and Cultural Significance
This basket is considered the oldest intact woven basket ever discovered. While some sources, such as a 2024 article from CSA Reviving Community, mention basket fragments from Fayoum, Egypt, dating to 10,000–12,000 years ago, these are fragments rather than a complete basket like the one found in Muraba‘at. This discovery is thus recognized as a significant milestone in archaeology, providing evidence of ancient craftsmanship and community life during the PPN period.
The Muraba‘at Cave, where the basket was found, was likely used as a storage site rather than a living space. This suggests that people during this period had developed methods for preserving and organizing resources, a critical step in the transition from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture.
Other Discoveries in the Campaign
Alongside the basket, the Judean Desert cave survey yielded other remarkable finds, including:
Dead Sea Scroll Fragments: Dating back about 2,000 years, containing biblical texts. Mummified Child Skeleton: Approximately 6,000 years old, found in excellent condition. Roman-Period Textiles: Including fabrics, sandals, and a 2,000-year-old comb with traces of lice. Seeds, Ropes, and Other Organic Materials: Offering further insights into ancient life and technology.
These discoveries not only illuminate the history of the region but also underscore the importance of protecting cultural heritage from looting.
Conclusion
The 10,500-year-old woven basket from the Muraba‘at Cave is a vivid testament to the ingenuity and creativity of humans during the Pre-Pottery Neolithic period. This discovery not only highlights ancient weaving techniques but also emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage. As research continues to uncover details about the materials and craftsmanship, this basket promises to further enrich our understanding of human history.