Carol A. Grissom
Abstract
Large Neolithic lime plaster statues excavated in 1985 at ‘Ain Ghazal (Jordan) were replicated to more correctly interpret evidence of construction. The process, including a failure that illuminated the minimal structural role of the armature, also enhanced understanding of the behavior of materials during statue fabrication. The most valuable contribution, however, may be that replication provided insights into artistic choice and original appearance, which are of particular importance because of the statues’ rarity and early date.