OLDEST BASKET IN THE WORLD, 10,500-year-old
OLDEST BASKET IN THE WORLD, 10,500-year-old The empty basket was discovered by youth volunteers from the Nofei Prat pre-military leadership academy during excavations in Cave 4 at Wadi Muraba'at, some 10 miles north of the Cave of Horror in the occupied West Bank. Preserved by the extreme heat and aridity of the region, it was woven from plant material and even features an intact lid. The basket is very large, with a capacity of roughly 90-100 liter (24-26 gallons). An initial study indicates it was woven by two people, one of whom was left-handed. Researchers hope analysis of the small amount of soil found in the bottom of the basket may reveal its contents. (Photos credit: Yaniv Berman, Israรซl Antiquites Authority; Yoli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority); collage by SJ