Huberman Archeology in Jerusalem

  • Issue: October 1989
  • Designer: E. Weishoff
  • Stamp size: 34.6 x 25.7 mm
  • Plate no.: 92
  • Sheet of 50 stamps Tabs: 5
  • Printers: E. Lewin-Epstein Ltd.
  • Method of printing: Offset

Jerusalem has been extolled and glorified since time immemorial. More than any other city in the world, it has been crowned with honour and wreathed in praises. Jerusalem has been called "The City of God", "The Eternal City", "City of the Prophets", "City of Soul and Spirit", "City of Beauty", and a great many other laudatory appellations.

Dedicated archaeologists, probing the secrets of Jerusalem's chequered past, have unearthed artifacts from a plethora of human cultures dating back through all the ages of Mankind. Since the city's very beginnings, the fine stonework of Jerusalem . its ancient reliefs and capitals - has borne silent witness to the skill and pride of its artists and masons.

Suleiman's Wall in Jerusalem, which was built in the 16th Century C.E. (1535-1538), is decorated with a wealth of stone reliefs. Worked into these are stylized floral and geometrical designs. There are some 140 such reliefs to be found in the City Wall.

On the stamp before us is a relief in limestone found on the northern wall close to the New Gate. The decoration is composed of one Star of David placed in the heart of a larger star of David. This latter is enriched with entwining rose leaves. The combination of the two triangles which create the form known as the "Star of David" has been a popular combination in Islamic art through the generations, particularly in the early Ottoman period. Only in the last few centuries has this form came to be accepted as the Jewish symbol par exellance which has ultimately given it its place of honour on the Israel flag.

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Archeology in Jerusalem (V)