Dr. Joe Uziel and Dr. Yiftah Shalev have been researching the bullae found in Jerusalem in order to study the finds from a “broad, long-term perspective,” the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) revealed in honor of Israel Excellence Week 2026.

The study, titled “Sealed and Sent: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Bullae from Jerusalem and Its Implications for Understanding the City's Administration,” will be conducted by Uziel and Shalev alongside scholars from academic institutions.

Uziel and Shalev were awarded a personal research grant from the Israel Science Foundation (ISF) for 2025.

According to the IAA, the study aims to examine Jerusalem's administrative systems from the First Temple period through the end of the Second Temple period.

Over the years, hundreds of bullae, small bits clay stamped with a personal seal used to ensure letters remained closed and untampered with, have been discovered during archaeological excavations in Jerusalem. 

Rather than studying on the names and text inscribed on the bullae, Uziel and Shalev’s research focuses on the inner side of the bullae in attempt to figure out what they had been attached to.

In order to determine the origins materials used to form the bullae as well as analyze any fingerprints left on the clay, the IAA noted that Uziel and Shalev are using advanced archaeological research methods, such as 3D scanning and RTI (Reflectance Transformation Imaging) photography.

The IAA added that it would share the results of the study once it is completed.