Besomim (spice) container
Germany, 1827
Pewter, cast, engraved; h 4.2 cm, w 9 cm, depth 6.6 cm

In Germany containers with divided compartments were often used as spice containers for the havdalah ceremony. Although sometimes made of silver, most were crafted from pewter. This pewter example is inscribed with a date, scrolling decorations and a Hebrew abbreviation for the last words of the blessing over the spices chanted during the havdalah ceremony.