An ancient statuette fragment dating back over 1,700 years was uncovered during a family outing to the Ramon Crater region in southern Israel over the weekend, by an eight-year-old boy from Rehovot.

The small artifact, roughly 6 by 6 centimeters, portrays part of a human figure draped in finely carved fabric folds resembling a cloak, as described by the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Dor Wolynitz stumbled upon the piece purely by chance while exploring the area.

"I was looking for special things on the ground that I could show in class," Wolynitz shared. "Suddenly, I noticed an interesting stone with stripes lying on the ground, and picked it up."

"It seemed like an unusual object to me, so I showed it to Akiva Goldenhersh, an archaeologist and my dad's friend, who was with us on our trip."

Wolynitz promptly turned the fragment over to the National Treasures Department and received a certificate from the IAA recognizing his good citizenship.

Akiva Goldenhersh, a supervisor in the IAA's Theft Prevention Unit, initially mistook the item for a fossil until he observed the intricate garment folds sculpted into it.

Following a geological analysis, IAA expert Dr. Nimrod Wieler determined the fragment consists of light phosphorite mineral typical of the Negev area.

"Crafted from local material, it likely originated in Israel rather than being imported," Goldenhersh noted. "The attire and sculpting style align with the Roman era. The figure wears a heavy mantle known as a himation, without an undergarment or chiton visible."

The exceptional detail in the clothing suggests creation by a talented artisan, though the absence of other identifying features complicates pinpointing the exact figure.

Possible identities include Jupiter, the Roman sky god, or Zeus-Dushara, a Nabataean deity blended with the Greek Zeus, similar to statues in Petra.

"This modest discovery highlights the fusion of local customs with classical influences," Goldenhersh observed.

The Ramon Crater lies along the ancient Spice Route, a key pathway in Roman and Nabataean times, and the find reinforces evidence of activity there.

"Every archaeological discovery forms part of our shared heritage in this region. Reporting it to the National Treasures enables study, preservation, and public access to the knowledge," Goldenhersh emphasized. "Dor and his family's actions exemplify civic duty and cultural preservation. He sets an inspiring example."

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu described the event as "a reminder of the history beneath our feet."

"I commend Dor for his alertness and accountability," Eliyahu stated. "His actions ensure the artifact's preservation and allow it to reveal tales of ancient peoples and cultures who traversed this land millennia ago."