In the Temple of Jerusalem and in synagogues throughout the ancient world, the fragrant smoke of incense filled the air. The high priest burned this aromatic blend of spices and gums on a special altar before the Holy of Holies. The smoke was intended to purify the air of the sanctuary and to please the deity. A costly offering, incense was considered the worthy gift of princes and heads of state. It also carried great spiritual significance hence the saying, ‘Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice,’ (Psalms 141:2). The mahta, or incense shovel, was employed in the ritual of burning and for removing the ashes afterwards. This splendid example, free from graven images, was almost certainly used in a synagogue of the Roman Period. The handle is of column-form, decorated with a Corinthian capital. Origin: En Gedi, Israel Circa: 1 st Century CE to 2 nd Century CE Dimensions: 11.5" (29.2cm) high Catalogue: V12 Collection: Biblical Style: Roman Period Medium: Bronze

Antiquities
Ancient Near East