Object numberM2017/046
DescriptionEgg, made from olive wood. It unscrews to reveal a small vial containing a ‘shaving of the West Wall (Wailing Wall)’. The word ‘Jerusalem’ and a small amount of Hebrew script is imprinted on the top half of the egg. The item was bought at auction on the Gold Coast in 1997.
The egg is believed to have been manufactured between 1914 and 1918. During the First World War, olive wood souvenirs, particularly pressed flower books, were popular among Allied soldiers in Jerusalem. This egg may have been a popular souvenir of the period. Similar objects can be found online, including wooden eggs with ink wells or spool and thread inside. Olive wood continues to be used in the manufacture of souvenirs in Jerusalem as the wood is native to Jerusalem and carries cultural and spiritual significance.
The egg is believed to have been manufactured between 1914 and 1918. During the First World War, olive wood souvenirs, particularly pressed flower books, were popular among Allied soldiers in Jerusalem. This egg may have been a popular souvenir of the period. Similar objects can be found online, including wooden eggs with ink wells or spool and thread inside. Olive wood continues to be used in the manufacture of souvenirs in Jerusalem as the wood is native to Jerusalem and carries cultural and spiritual significance.
Production placeJerusalem
Production date 1914 - 1918
Subjecttourism
Object namesouvenirs
Materialwood
Dimensions
- circumference: 185.00 mm
height: 71.00 mm
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated by Jack Don