Jael, Wife of Heber the Kenite

Jael lived in the time of Deborah.  In Judges 4:17-22 (cached), a Canaanite general named Sisera, defeated by the Israelites and on the run, asks for sanctuary in her tent.  She admits him, covers him with a blanket as if to keep him safe, and then drives a tent stake through his head.

At left is the only Jael image I have encountered, a sculpture from Guatemala offered on eBay.  Naturally, Jael's attributes in the image are her hammer and stake, and Sisera's severed head.  The sculpture was for sale with a companion piece representing Judith, who similarly carries a severed head, along with her sword.  Both pieces appear to be polychromed wood, probably imported from Spain in the 16th or 17th century.


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