Obj. ID: 20
Ancient Jewish Art Na'aran Synagogue (6th century CE)
The medallion and octagon panel is placed at the northern end of the nave, below the zodiac panel. The panel is composed of nine horizontal lines in which a line of three octagons is followed by a line of two medallions, depicting animals and objects (occasionally accompanied by flowers); each octagon is formed by two interlaced hexagons. There are rhombuses among the medallions and octagons. Most of the animals are depicted in profile and oriented towards the central vertical line. The inner part of the panel frame is surrounded by semicircles depicting bunches of grapes with vine leaves. Two of the semicircles situated in the western part of the frame depict different motifs: one a leaf (fig?) flanked by carobs, the other an ethrog flanked by apples and figs. All the depictions situated in the semicircle patterns face outwards. At the corners of the panel triangles contain a conch pattern.
The first horizontal row from the lower part of the panel is composed of three octagons: in the centre a running animal with its tail curled over its back; to the right a running lion, with the outline of its mane and a curled tail visible; to the left a bird standing on a small tree, facing left. The second horizontal row consists of two medallions which depict two birds facing each other.
The third row is composed of three octagons: in the centre a goblet with a triangular base; to the right a cock standing facing left, and to the left a hare on a small tree facing right.
The fourth row consists of two medallions: to the right a running hare, facing left; the left octagon is damaged.
The fifth row is composed of three octagons: to the right an animal with a broad tail and pointed ears facing left; to the left an animal in a similar pose with upcurved tail, facing right.
The sixth row consits of two medallions: to the right a bird facing left. The left octagon was damaged.
The seventh row is composed of three octagons: to the right a one-handled basket of fruit; the other two octagons were damaged.
The last row is composed of three octagons: in the center a bird in a cage, facing right; to the right an octopod, portrayed frontally.
The panel is framed by two parallel lines.