According to Anat Chohen-Weinberger of the Israel Antiquities Authority “Tell el-Yahudiya ware refers to a distinct group of pottery named after the site of Tell el-Yahudya in the Egyptian Nile Valley.” The form is not common amongst pottery created by Egyptians. The pottery has been found in the Middle Kingdom (when Joseph would have went to Egypt) throughout the Hyksos Period to the New Kingdom, disappearing around 1530. The renowned archaeologist Flinders Petrie believe that the pottery originated outside of Egypt, in the area of Canaan. The primary feature of Tel El-Yahudiyeh Pottery are the puncture marks on the outer surface.

In summary, these jars became popular in norther Egypt during the time that Joseph was in Egypt. They are unlike many pottery types in Egypt at the time. The greatest concentration of these vessels were found in a location alle Tel El-Yehudieh which means mountain/mound of the Jews. The area was occupied by semitic people including the Hyksos (see the Hyksos seal for more information), whom became rulers over the norther region of Egypt. Once the Hyksos rule ended, the semitic people were placed into slavery until 1446 BC, the date of the Exodus. It was around this time that these pottery types disappear.

The Hyksos ruled from the city of Avaris which would later be called the city of Pi Rameses. Inside the city, the standard four room houses have been found including a large palace which deviates from the typical Egyptian style. A large statue of a semitic male was found in near the palace; such statues typically being reserved for royalty or high ranking officials. Some believe that this is a statue of Joseph.

This piece is currently being checked by the Israeli Antiquities Authority for Export approval and will probably arrive in late May 2025.