The roots of religion: Israeli archaeologists find 9,000-year-old 'animal statues' that pre-date Moses by thousands of years

Israeli archaeologists have found two 9,000-year old animal-shaped figurines while excavating the site of a new motorway.
It's believed the six-inch long statues, made from limestone and dolomite were used as good luck charms for hunters during the Stone Age.
The discovery is being hailed by experts because the 'charms' are so old they predate Moses by several thousands of years.

'Good luck charm': This limestone statue is 6 inches long and resembles a horned ram

Archaeologists came across the figures, one resembling an ox, the other a horned ram, after examining the site of a construction project a few miles north of Jerusalem.
Dig director Hamoud Khalaily said in a statement: 'It is known that hunting was the major activity in this period.
'Presumably, the figurines served as good-luck statues for ensuring the success of the hunt and might have been the focus of a traditional ceremony the hunters performed before going out into the field to pursue their prey.'

Ox: The second figure is smooth and made from dolomite and resembles a bovine creature

It's estimated the statues date back 9,000 to 9,500 years, a time known as Pre-Pottery Neolithic B.
Khalaily explained: 'It is considered one of the most fascinating chapters in the history of mankind; many changes took place in it that shaped human society for thousands of years to come.
'During this period, the transition began from nomadism, based on hunting and gathering, to sedentary life, based on farming and grazing.'