During April 2011, a survey was conducted south of Qibbuz Kissufim (License No. S-257/2011; map ref. 1430/5868), prior to the resumption of planting trees in the region. The survey, undertaken on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority and underwritten by the Jewish National Fund, was performed by G. Seriy (field photography) and S. Gal (GPS).
The survey area extends south of Qibbuz Kissufim (Fig. 1) in a region of deep tributary ravines of Nahal Kissufim, which flows from the southwest into Nahal Ha-Besor. Trees are planted in part of the area and the tributary ravines are covered with low dense vegetation, which impairs the identification of ancient remains (Figs. 2, 3). Some 50 m south of the survey area and south of Road 242 is a declared antiquities site, Kissufim Road, where a cemetery from the Chalcolithic period had been exposed (ESI 12:90–91; Y. Goren and P. Fabian 2002. Kissufim Road: A Chalcolithic Mortuary Site [IAA Reports 16]. Jerusalem).
The survey was conducted on foot and five sites (1–5) were documented, most of which are potsherd scatterings. Throughout the survey area, random scatterings of potsherds and flint artifacts were discerned on the ground; these dated dating to various periods, including the Chalcolithic, Roman, Byzantine, Early Islamic and Late Ottoman. Several dumps containing modern building debris were discerned in the tributaries of Nahal Kissufim in the northern part of the survey area.
1 (map ref. 142943/586547). A sherd scattering, dating to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, was noted in a raised area (c. 10×10 m) inside a wadi channel.
2 (map ref. 143062/586632). A sherd scattering (c. 5×5 m) dating to the Byzantine period.
3 (map ref. 143039/586691). A sherd scattering (c. 5×5 m) dating to the Byzantine period.
4 (map ref. 143114/586932). A sherd scattering (c. 5×10 m) dating to the Byzantine and Late Ottoman periods.
5 (map ref. 142838/586824). A sherd scattering and chalk stones (c. 10×10 m); the pottery is dated to the Byzantine period.