Description

Exquisite Roman Ointment Jar: A Timeless Artifact with Intricate Design

During the Roman period, a variety of glass vessel types came into use. Short, round-bodied Roman glass jars such as this ointment jar likely held non-pourable substances such as balms or ointments. Several jars similar to this one appeared in archaeological excavations along with physician’s tools. This suggests that the ointment contained in these jars were for medical purposes.

“Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughters of my people?” – Jeremiah 8:22

“Take balm for her pain; perhaps she may be healed.”  – Jeremiah 51:8

This decorated glass ointment jar from the Roman period features beautifully decorations of ribs running down the body of the jar. A glassmaker formed it in antiquity by blowing glass into a mold to create the design. It has a rounded body, a narrowing neck, and a flaring rim. The base is slightly pushed up for stability.

Antiquities from the land of the Bible are great investments and teaching tools. They bring the Bible to life in a tangible way, connecting the stories of the Bible with real artifacts that illuminate the text.