Ancient Christian figurines discovered in 1,500-year-old desert graves

Archaeologists recently uncovered extraordinary artifacts from an ancient African Christian community in Israel, according to officials.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) announced the finds on May 14. 

The items were found in 1,500-year-old graves of women and children, according to the IAA. Pictures show multiple figurines with human face shapes, along with scattered artifacts, including jugs and pottery fragments. 

In a journal article, researchers said the figurines show that a Christian community lived in Southern Israel "about 1,500 years ago, possibly with some of its members coming from Africa."

The study added, "It seems their purpose was not only decorative, but also as intimate personal items carrying with them a story of identity, tradition and memory."

The IAA noted that the artifacts were "carefully placed" among the deceased women and children, and after 1,500 years, they're still "exceptionally well-preserved."

The IAA noted that unearthing African figurines in Christian graves in Israel is quite unusual and called the find "a rare discovery."

"[It] deepens our understanding of the cultural diversity among the inhabitants of the country in this region about 1,500 years ago," the agency wrote.

Eli Escusido, director of the IAA, described the findings as "moving, not only from an archaeological perspective, but also on a human level."

The grave discoveries are a few of many remarkable IAA finds in the past year.