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Perfume bottle or Besamim

Unknown20th century

Museo Sefardí

Museo Sefardí
Toledo, Spain

Container for religious use. The upper body has small holes that allow to smell perfumes or aromatic herbs such as cloves or cinnamon placed in it.
On the lower body there is a Hebrew inscription that says “Creator of all kinds of perfumes,” surrounded by plant ornamentation.
Spice and perfume shakers are used in the Havdalah (separation) rite, the moment that marks the end of Shabbat, during which a blessing is said over that box of aromatic herbs. This aroma is perceived as a spiritual reinforcement after the Shabbat rest before returning to the daily routine.
These types of containers have a great variety of shapes and designs. They are also used to eliminate the smell of sacrificed animals, following the belief that the smell was pleasing to God as it was to humans.

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  • Title: Perfume bottle or Besamim
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: 20th century
  • Physical Dimensions: 9 x 19 mm
  • Type: Silverware
  • External Link: CERES
  • Medium: Silver
Museo Sefardí

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