Three late eighth millennium plastered faces from 'Ain Ghazal, Jordan

Three fragmentary faces originally plastered on skulls are discussed : their excavation history, conservation treatment, and technical analysis. Deposited during the Pre-pottery Neolithic В in a shallow pit at the site of 'Ain Ghazal, Jordan, the modelled faces had apparently been broken off the skulls. Only plaster was found, and the absence of the skulls enabled many aspects of manufacture to be determined during reassembly. Skulls without their mandibles had been prepared by stuffing cavities with grass and coiling rope below the maxillae. Results of plaster analysis using a range of scientific techniques are presented. Stylistic and technical comparisons are made to other Neolithic plastered skulls, as well as to large statues found at the site.