Biblical Peoples and Ethnicity.

• Author: Wright, Jacob L.

Biblical Peoples and Ethnicity. By ANN E. KILLEBREW. Archaeology and Biblical Studies, vol. 9. Atlanta: SOCIETY OF BIBLICAL LITERATURE, 2005, Pp. xx + 362, illus. $39.95 (paper).

This book reflects the work of an archaeologist who has earned deep respect from her colleagues. Its aim is to examine the relationship among culture, stylistic diversity, and ethnic boundaries in the southern Levant during the Late Bronze II and Iron I periods (hereafter LB and IA respectively). The author states, "I conclude that ethnicity in its diverse manifestations can be identified under certain circumstances in the archaeological record. Specifically, during the thirteenth to eleventh centuries B.C.E. it is possible to delineate the social and cultural boundaries of the Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines, and Israelites" (p. 2). The heart of the book is four chapters that examine the evidence for the presence of these groups in the southern Levant. Each presents a diachronic overview of site distribution before entering into a synchronic discussion of town planning, palaces, temples, domestic structures, burial customs, diet, and above all pottery and pottery technology, where Killebrew brilliantly showcases her expertise.

In order to appreciate properly the value of the work, one should read it as an introduction to the material culture and settlement history of the southern Levant during the period of transition from LB to IA. What attracts the greatest amount of the author's attention is the Egyptian imperial presence and the effects of its withdrawal on life in what later becomes Philistine, Edomite, Judean, Israelite, Moabite, and Ammonite territories. Philistines and Israelites are treated at length in individual chapters, while the others in this group are touched on only in passing. As a study of imperialism, colonialism, and the various transformations that accompanied the collapse of a world system, the book is helpful. The presence of imperial powers exerting some degree of control over fractious, competitive groups is a situation that is of course not unique to this period of Levantine history. Hence, a study of the evidence on the ground by a seasoned excavator deserves the attention of a wide range of scholars.

However, the book attempts to be more. It enters the territory of ethnicity and in so doing leaves a trail of unanswered questions. Although referred to as an "introduction to ethnicity in the biblical world" (p. 2) and focusing...