A hoard of Nilotic nacreous shells from Egypt to Jericho (Early Bronze II, 3000–2800 BCE): Their finding, content and historical archaeological implications

A significant archaeological discovery at Tell es-Sultan, ancient Jericho, reveals a hoard of five Chambardia rubens shells, native to the Nile, dating back to the Early Bronze Age II (3000–2800 BCE). These shells, found in a dwelling unit, provide tangible evidence of trade and cultural connections between the Southern Levant and Egypt. Chemical analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the presence of Manganese Dioxide, an inorganic compound used as makeup in ancient Egypt and sourced from Sinai ores. This finding supports the role of international luxury goods trade in the urban rise during this period and suggests the emergence of a ruling elite influenced by Egyptian culture at Jericho.

Nigro, L., Montanari, D., Mura, F., Yasine, J., & Rinaldi, T. (2018). A hoard of Nilotic nacreous shells from Egypt to Jericho (Early Bronze II, 3000–2800 BCE): Their finding, content and historical archaeological implications. Palestine Exploration Quarterly, 150(2), 110–125. https://doi.org/10.1080/00310328.2018.1425957