Stone vessels

One of the interesting phenomena that characterizes archaeological finds at sites towards the end of the Second Temple period, particularly in and around Jerusalem, is the presence of limestone vessels. Jewish law ("halachah"), which states that stone vessels are not susceptible to ritual impurity, likely initiated the appearance of the flourishing limestone vessel industry. This exhibition recreates the production methods of stone vessels and displays vessels that were used in everyday life in the Second Temple period, including stone tables and coffins. This exhibit also showcases stone vessels in various stages of their production.