Obj. ID: 39175  Besomim, Silesia (historical region), circa 1825

The following description was prepared by William Gross:

In Jewish tradition the end of the Sabbath and other Jewish Holidays is marked by the ceremony of Havdalah (Separation) that differentiates between the Holy nature of the holdiay and the profane nature of the following day. This ritual is accomplished by lighting a special candle with several wicks, drinking wine from a cup and the inhalation of the sweet smell of spices. In the Ashkenazi world these spices were usually held in a container which was often shaped in varying forms.

This tower form belongs to a family of towers which most likely originates in Silesia. The tower contains elements of both German origin and the lands further east. An unusual feature is the engraving on the tower body of the hands of the Cohanim, the priestly blessing. While many Besomim towers have pierced or engraved decorations, almost none carry engraved images. As is most often true of towers from this area, there is no silver mark.