Besomim (spice) container
Jerusalem, Eretz Israel
Wood, turned, carved, inlaid;
h 26 cm, diam. 6.6 cm

During the 19th and 20th centuries many souvenirs for visitors to the Holy Land were traditionally made from olive wood. This wooden spice tower was crafted in that tradition, but was a useful ritual object as well. This example is decorated with wood inlay and two carved representations of the holy sites of the Western Wall and the Tomb of Rachel.