An 11-year old Israeli boy uncovered a rare, 2,500-year-old amulet during a family excursion, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said. Zev Ben-David of Beersheva came across the pottery figurine in Nahal Besor. He showed it to his mother, and she called the IAA.

The figurine is rare; only one such example exists in the National Treasury, said Saul Ben-Ami, curator of the Iron Age and Persian periods for the IAA. He dated the figurine to the time of the First Temple. The figurine, measuring 2.8 inches high by 2.4 inches wide, is of a bare breasted woman. It was used in homes and in everyday life, like the hamsa, and served to ensure protection and good luck.

Zev was awarded a certificate of appreciation by the IAA.