Stone table
Photo © The Israel Museum, by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon, Canadian Museum of Civilization

Stone table.
Jerusalem
Second Temple period, 1st century CE
Stone
Israel Antiquities Authority Collection exhibited at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

This type of table is made in the Roman style (monopodia), with a rectangular top resting on a central support in the form of a column. The front side of the tabletop is adorned with a carved decoration of a leaf motif.

Carved mug
Photo © The Israel Museum, by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon, Canadian Museum of Civilization

Carved mug.
Jerusalem
Second Temple period, 1st century CE
Stone
Israel Antiquities Authority Collection exhibited at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Mugs were some of the most common stone items made in Jerusalem. They came in different sizes, usually of the same shape, which is why they have been dubbed "measuring cups." The large quantities found suggest, however, that they were intended for daily use rather than for measuring. They were carved with a chisel, probably imitating the shape of a wooden vessel common at the time.

Bowl
Photo © The Israel Museum, by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon, Canadian Museum of Civilization

Bowl.
Masada
Second Temple period, 1st century CE
Stone
Israel Antiquities Authority Collection exhibited at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Most stone vessels were simple and relatively cheap, meant for everyday purposes. This is also true of this chiselled shaped bowl, found in Massada in the Judean desert. It was probably manufactured in Jerusalem and taken to Massada by the Jews who fled there during their revolt against the Romans.

Oil lamp
Photo © The Israel Museum, by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon, Canadian Museum of Civilization

Oil lamp.
Jerusalem
Second Temple period, 1st century CE
Stone
Israel Antiquities Authority Collection exhibited at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

The only example made of stone, this lamp is similar to a popular pottery style from the 1st century CE. It was turned on a lathe-a common method for vessels made of this soft limestone.

Stone jar
Photo © The Israel Museum, by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon, Canadian Museum of Civilization

Stone jar.
Jerusalem
Second Temple period, 1st century CE
Stone
Israel Antiquities Authority Collection exhibited at The Israel Museum, Jerusalem

Such large jars have been found almost exclusively in Jerusalem. They illustrate the skills of craftsmen of the time. They were turned on an especially large lathe of a type used even today in the Bethlehem region. This jar may have been used to contain water for purification rituals like the ones mentioned in the tale of the marriage at Cana: Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. (John 2:6)


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