Israel Antiquities Authority officials now fear a First Temple remnant, an ivory pomegranate belonging to the High Priest, may be a fake. Israel Museum officials, on the other hand, are asserting the item's authenticity.
The antiquity was purchased by the Israel Museum from an "anonymous expert" in 1988 for $600,000. The money for the acquisition was donated by a Swiss philanthropist. The antiquity has since traveled the world, believed to be the only remnant from the First Temple.
Still not willing to reveal the source, Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) officials have requested from Israel Museum directors to permit experts to inspect the remnant to certify its authenticity. IAA officials explain they now have reason to believe the item is a fake, but would not elaborate.
Museum officials, on the other hand, stated that international experts verified the authenticity of the ivory pomegranate ahead of its purchase and, therefore, there is no doubt as to its authenticity.
The antiquity was purchased by the Israel Museum from an "anonymous expert" in 1988 for $600,000. The money for the acquisition was donated by a Swiss philanthropist. The antiquity has since traveled the world, believed to be the only remnant from the First Temple.
Still not willing to reveal the source, Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) officials have requested from Israel Museum directors to permit experts to inspect the remnant to certify its authenticity. IAA officials explain they now have reason to believe the item is a fake, but would not elaborate.
Museum officials, on the other hand, stated that international experts verified the authenticity of the ivory pomegranate ahead of its purchase and, therefore, there is no doubt as to its authenticity.