| Maccabim-Re'ut |
| Tomb of Sit Mana'a |
| Hazard Removal |
| Orderer | Israel Antiquities Authority |
| Duration | August 2010 |
| Implemented by: |
Shiran Sabag
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The tomb of Sit Mana'a is located on a hill east of Re'ut, near the approach road to the settlement and surrounded by an orchard. The tomb of Mana'a, a sheikha of the Iman family, was erected in the Ottoman period. Over the years the tomb was abandoned and not maintained. The dome and the walls of the tomb have become weakened due to continuing deterioration, vegetation having taken root and vandalism. The purpose of the current intervention was to stabilize the structure and improve its immediate surroundings.
Architectural and Technological Description
This is a square structure with a domed roof. It measures 4.05 x 4.07 meters and is 2.2 meters high. The tomb has a single entrance facing north and the remains of a mihrab in its southern wall, which was presumably built in a later phase. The walls are approximately 80 cm thick. The inside of the walls is made of large stones whereas the stones on the outside of the walls are narrower. The interior of the building is plastered and only the dome is treated with plaster on the outside. The dome was constructed on an earthen form, in the manner that was prevalent during the Ottoman period. The construction technology and the location of the building suggest that it was originally used as a watchman hut, and only later was it adapted for use as a tomb.
Cultural Significance
The building is representative of the farm construction culture in this region in the second half of the Ottoman period. From a landscape standpoint the building serves as a landmark in the open countryside. Its importance is further augmented because of its proximity to the settlement’s approach road and its high visibility.
Preservation Problems Identified at the Site Included:
• Vegetation growing on the roof and walls of the building.
• Stone deterioration: cracking and crumbling.
• The southern and western wall cores were exposed.
• Large cavities in the northern and western wall cores.
• Mortar was missing from some of the building’s walls.
• The original plaster was crumbling inside the building.
• A section of the dome and inside sections of the southern and western walls had collapsed.
• The tops of walls were exposed as a result of the collapse that had occurred in the southern and western walls.
• Parts of the eastern, western and southern walls were in danger of collapse.
These problems were indicative of advanced destruction and deterioration.
Conservation Intervention
The following conservation work was implemented in order to stabilize the structure and prevent any further destruction to it:
• All of the vegetation was removed and an herbicide was sprayed on the remains.
• The joints were cleaned and pointed-up with a gray colored, lime-based mortar.
• Stones that had lost their structural strength were replaced.
• Cracks and breaks in the stones were filled in.
• Missing stonework in the walls was completed with debesh construction.
• Cavities inside the walls were filled in (grouting).
• A section of an inside wall that had collapsed was rebuilt.
• The dome was stabilized with mortar and stones.
• The edges of the original plaster were reinforced and missing plaster was replaced.
Composition of the Materials
The mortar was adapted to the traditional stone-building technology. The mortar included: pit lime, quarry sand, ground pottery, ash, sumsum gravel, hydraulic lime and water.
The mortar used for filling the cavities inside the walls included: hydraulic lime, quarry sand, ceramic powder and water.
Guidelines and Recommendations Issued by the Conservation Department of the Israel Antiquities Authority:
1. Out of concern for their safety, visitors should not be allowed inside the tomb.
2. Permanent conservation maintenance should be implemented at least once a year.
3. Seasonal herbicidal spraying to prevent the germination and development of new vegetation in the building and on its walls.
4. The structure’s state of preservation should be monitored at least once a year by an engineer.
5. It is recommended that the site not be used for any other purpose other than as a landmark in the open countryside.
To view the figures, click on the figure caption
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