Negev

Bedouin Wool in the Negev

Wool drying after being dyed

Rug in progress!

Our next field trip was to the Negev, which is a desert area in southern Israel. Even the name means “dry.” We were able to visit Beersheba and a Bedouin rug making business where they employ nomadic Arabs so they can help support their families and gain social status. The rug making was really incredible to see. They make rugs, pillow covers, bags, and other similar items out of wool that they dye there in their shop. It was impressive to see the amount of work that goes into their trade. 

Gate of Beersheba

Ninja Posing in Beersheba

We also went to Beersheba, which used to be a regional market town where herdsmen came to exchange wool and other animal products for manufactured goods. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived in this city or region. There is a complex water system that runs underneath the city in large cisterns making them very self-sustainable when under attack.

This is most of the city of Beersheba

Scuba Steve in the Cistern

We also visited Tel Arad. A tel is basically a hill that is created by building on top of previous civilizations that have gone before, aka a cake with lots of layers. So the further down in the tel/hill you dig the older the civilizations are that you find.

 Chillin in the Cistern