Chickens, Partridges, and the /tor/ of Ancient Israel and the Hebrew Bible

Abstract

Traditionally translated as “turtledove,” several scholars have recently argued for alternative renderings for the term /tor/ in the sacrificial ordinances of Gen 15:9; Num 6:10; and frequently in Leviticus. The importance of the identification of /tor/ lies in its impact on our understanding of biblical sacrificial practices, anthropological understandings of Israelite cult, and their relationship to Israelite meal practices. Specifically, hinging on the nature of the /tor/ is the question of whether all sacrificial animals were domesticated, and to what degree, which has ramifications for the understanding of the connection between the bound-aries of Israelite household and Israelite altar. In a first step, this paper will incorporate data concerning the identification of archaeological remains of birds throughout the Southern Levant, allowing material culture to weigh in on the discussion. A second step will bring together the zooarcheological data and biblical reflections on possible identifications for this bird in ancient Israel.