The Forging of Israel: Iron Technology, Symbolism and Tradition in Ancient Society

by Paula McNutt

Overview

In this rich and elegantly presented interdisciplinary study, the theme is the impact of iron technology on the material and cultural life of ancient Israel. The author argues that iron itself and the processes of ironworking functioned as dominant cultural symbols, conveying meanings about significant transformations that established Israel's social and religious identity. This wide-ranging monograph is particularly valuable for its integration of material about ironworking in traditional African societies, anthropological theories on symbolism and archaeological information on the development of iron technology in the Near East.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780567305985
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/01/2009
Series:	The Library of Hebrew Bible/Old Testament Studies , #108
Pages:	307
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

'Paula McNutt is Professor in the Department of Religious Studies, Canisius College, New York.