TZIPORI (VINnews) — An ancient face fountain which was used as a public fountain in bathhouses, fountains and basins has been discovered recently in the Sepphoris (Tzipori) National Park in northern Israel.
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The fountain has been dated to 1800 years ago, during the period when the Tannaim resided in Tzipori (Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi died in Tzipori in the year 217 C.E.). It was discovered by David Goren, a resident of the modern settlement of Tzipori, who saw the unusual face protruding above the ground.
The “Partzufa” as it is known in Hebrew is designed in the form of a human being, animal or mythological creature. Water would flow out of the mouth of the face-fountain via a lead pipe installed inside it. Similar face fountains were in use during the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods as well as during the Renaissance.
The concept of Partzufa appears already in the Talmud, which warns people not to place their mouths on the lips of the Partzufa and drink, since it looks like they are kissing an idol.” (Avodah Zara 12a) Similarly,many of the face fountains were in the forms of idols and the Mishnah in Avodah Zara (3:4) records a question by Preculus Ben Plusfus who asked Rabban Gamliel how he could use the bathhouse of Aphrodite, which presumably had a face fountain or statue of the Greek goddess.
The face fountain discovered in Tzipori was made of quality marble which may have been from Turkey and portrays a face with some human characteristics. The cone-shaped face has a small aperture at the mouth from which water can flow out.
Dr. Yossi Bordowicz, Director of Heritage at the Nature and Parks Authority said that similar face fountains had been discovered in Hamat Gader, Beit Shean and Caesarea but this was the first one found in Tzipori. In recent years an ancient winepress was discovered there as well as a large poll which may be the place where Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi bathed on the 17th of Tamuz. (Megillah 5b).
The Nature and Land Authority intends to exhibit the fountain in the Tzippori National Park.