Queries & Comments

Whn Ws Hbrw Wrttn Wtht Vwls?

To the Editor:

1. When was the last time ancient Hebrew was read and written without the vowels?

2. Was there difficulty in reading and pronunciation without the vowels?

1. It’s still written that way in Israel. Pick up a Hebrew newspaper.

2. T’s nt dffclt whn y knw th wds. Y cn rd ths, cn’t y?—Ed.

More Solutions to the Mystery Find from Lachish

To the Editor:

In regard to “The Mystery Find at Lachish,” BAR 05:05, pictured in your worthy magazine for September/October 1979, I beg to offer an identification for the puzzling clay Tootsie-Rolls! I am positive that they are hair curlers! The size is just right, the rough exterior would hold the hair securely but not too painfully when removed, the clay roller was to be heated in hot water or over a smokeless fire and its heat would set an excellent, long-lasting curl. The indentation at the end was doubtless to be fitted with a handle at the time of drawing it from the fire so as not to burn the beauty-operator’s fingers.

The fact that they have been found in quantity in several locations means that the “diggers” have found the ancient beauty salons! It was very stylish then to have tight curls on the beard as well as the hair, as seen in the art of that period.