Alabastron (Container for Scented Oil) c. late to early 6th century

This Alabastron, a container for scented oil, was made in the ancient Eastern Mediterranean from glass. Objects like this tell us about the culture and daily life of the people who made and used them. Ancient Mediterranean societies, influenced by geography, trade routes, and cultural exchange, valued luxury items such as scented oils. These oils were not just for personal use but were also part of religious rituals and social customs. The creation of such a delicate glass container demonstrates an advanced understanding of material and production, reflecting not just technological skill but also the economic structures that supported specialized craftsmanship. By studying archaeological reports, trade records, and religious texts, historians piece together a rich picture of how these objects functioned within their original social and cultural context. Art, then, becomes a lens through which to understand the values, beliefs, and social hierarchies of a distant world.