Ossuary

Stucco ossuary with traces of light red color. A central part of ancient Jewish burial practices and as a cornerstone of the Jewish religion’s belief in burial as a sacred way in which to bury the dead, the ossuary became a means in which to preserve the bones of a deceased loved one in the Jewish faith and in early Christian faith. It is believed that ossuaries became popular due to the belief that sin was of the flesh; therefore, allowing the skin to decay would enable the bones to be gathered for bodily resurrection. Generally, the family name of the individual was inscribed on the side of the ossuary. In some cases, the ossuary was also decorated with geometric designs that held symbolic religious value. The individual’s status and his notable accomplishments were also sometimes carved into the side of the ossuary. A very rare and magnificent peice.

Size: 23" x 11 1/2" x 10 1/2"

Date: 30 BCE-70 CE