Description

Herodian juglet discovered in Jerusalem, used for ointment

• Material: Clay Pottery.
• Date: 37 B.C. – 70 A.D.
• Type: Unguentarium alabastron.
• Provenance: Central Jerusalem.

This small, clay juglet dates to the Herodian period, and was used to carry small amounts of oil for anointment, either for refilling oil lamps or for anointing.

When Jesus was anointed at Bethany (Matthew 26:6-13), a woman came and anointed Jesus’ feet. She did this with expensive perfume from an alabaster juglet made in the same style as this piece.

Additionally, this piece is demonstrated in the parable of the ten virgins (Matt. 25:1-13), where the five wise virgins bring extra oil. This is the vessel from Jesus’ time that was used to carry extra oil for such an occasion, making it a great illustration of life during the time of the Gospels.