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World's oldest 'spirit' masks: 9,000-year-old neolithic stone 'portraits of the dead'

7-3-2014 < Red Ice Creations 198 68 words
 

"A collection of rare 9,000-year old masks, which are considered among the most ancient human portraits, are to go on show in Jerusalem. The masks all originated from Israel and have the same striking features, perhaps to resemble the spirits of dead ancestors. It is thought they were used by in religious and social ceremonies and in rites of healing and magic."
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