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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Funerary Tear Bottle
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

Funerary Tear Bottle

Artifact ID1970.7.57
Object Type Good, Grave
Date 100 AD
Medium Glass
DimensionsOverall H 4 1/2 in (11.4 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionFunerary tear bottle of iridescent green glass. Two long separate parallel chambers with lip. Two pairs of handles.
Historical NoteThis funerary bottle was found during a 1960s archaelogical excavation in Israel. It was presented personally to Lady Bird Johnson by Mr. Bernstein, Chairman of the Israel Independence Ball, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the founding of the state of Israel. The bottle is believed to be a tear receptacle for the family of deceased and of hired female "criers." The bottle was then buried in the crypt.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThis item was donated by Lyndon Baines Johnson to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum on December 31, 1970.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view
Subjects
Antiquity
Place of Credit
Israel