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Eagle and Medusa Head. Mosaic floor. Synagogue at Yafia, Low
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Eagle and Medusa Head. Mosaic floor. Synagogue at Yafia, Low
Eagle and Medusa Head. Part of a mosaic floor Synagogue at Yafia, Lower Galilee. 4th century AD. Israel
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Media ID 14365491
© Thaliastock / Mary Evans
Antique Antiquiy Eagle Floor Fragment Galilee Hebrew Israel Jewish Judaism Lower Mask Medusa Mosaic Near Remain Rockefeller
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image showcases a fragment of a mosaic floor from the Synagogue at Yafia, located in the Lower Galilee region of Israel. Dating back to the 4th century AD, this ancient artifact is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Near East during the Hebrew and Roman periods. The intricately designed mosaic features an eagle perched boldly above the menacing head of Medusa, the mythological Gorgon with the snakes for hair. The eagle, a symbol of strength and power, is a common motif in ancient Roman and Byzantine art. Its presence in a Jewish synagogue setting suggests a fusion of cultural influences that characterized the diverse population of the region during this time. The Medusa head, on the other hand, is a symbol of transformation and protection. In Greek mythology, gazing upon her face would turn onlookers to stone, but those who looked away or wore her image as a talisman were granted invulnerability. The presence of Medusa in this mosaic may represent the synagogue's protective function within the community. Despite the passage of time and the fragmented state of the mosaic, the intricate details of the eagle and Medusa head remain evident. This artifact serves as a reminder of the complex history and rich artistic traditions of the ancient world, and the enduring influence of the Near East on Jewish culture and art.
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