KM 94582
Limestone incense burner in the shape of an altar
Roman period
Unknown; possibly Karanis, Egypt?
Really a large public altar in miniature (weighing only about three pounds), the size of this incense burner indicates its possible use in a private, household shrine. Carvings of a knife, phiale, vine and wine jug illustrate the ancients' sacred notions surrounding food production - an interplay of nature, agriculture and sacrifice to maintain the favor of the gods.