Alabastron

Alabastron Italy Louvre S2375

Alabastron (plural: alabastra) is a type of vessel used in the ancient world, primarily for holding perfumes and oils. The term is derived from the Greek word "ἀλάβαστρον" (alabastron), which refers to a container made from alabaster, a fine-grained form of gypsum or calcite.

History

Alabastra were first produced in Ancient Egypt and later adopted by the Greeks and Romans. The earliest examples date back to the Predynastic period of Egypt, around 3500 BCE. These vessels were typically made from alabaster, but other materials such as glass, ceramic, and faience were also used.

Design and Features

Alabastra are characterized by their elongated, narrow shape, which often lacks handles. They typically have a flat or slightly concave base, a narrow neck, and a wide, flaring mouth. The design of the alabastron made it easy to pour small amounts of liquid, which was ideal for the precious substances they contained.

Cultural Significance

In ancient cultures, alabastra were often associated with rituals and burial practices. In Egypt, they were placed in tombs as grave goods to provide for the deceased in the afterlife. In Greece, they were used in both domestic and religious contexts, often depicted in vase paintings and mentioned in literature.

Types of Alabastra

There are several types of alabastra, including:

• Egyptian alabastron: Typically made from alabaster and often decorated with hieroglyphs.
• Greek alabastron: Made from a variety of materials, including alabaster, glass, and ceramic. Greek alabastra often featured intricate designs and were sometimes painted.
• Roman alabastron: Similar to Greek alabastra but often more elaborate, reflecting the Roman taste for luxury.

Notable Examples

Some notable examples of alabastra include:

• The alabaster vessels found in the Tomb of Tutankhamun.
• The glass alabastra from the Hellenistic period.

See Also

• Perfume
• Ancient Egyptian pottery
• Ancient Greek pottery
• Roman glass