Obj. ID: 2800
Ancient Jewish Art  Hulda Mosaic

An oblong mosaic panel decorated the floor of the southern room, facing the entrance to the building. The panel is framed by a plain band. On the right of the panel is a seven-branched menorah flanked on the left by a shofar, and on the right by a mahta (incense shovel). The seven curved branches of the menorah are decorated with knops. The branches are surmounted by seven square lamps with straight burning flames. The menorah stands on a three-legged angular base. The mahta is composed of a rectangular scoop with three raised edges and a long handle.

To the left of the mahta are two of the four species: an etrog (citron) and on the far left, a lulav (palm branch) with closed leaves and a bandle with a geometric design. A Greek inscription, consisting of three lines each of one word, is written above the mahta and the ethrog. According to M. Avi-Yonah the inscription reads as follows: GREEK, "Blessing to the people" (translation from Greek according to M. Avi-Yonah). The panel is designed to be viewed from the south.