Antique Ottoman Soap Making Mold, Jerusalem, Palestine, 19th century.

The mold is made of wood and the Christian cross pattern is hand carved.

These kinds of molds / patterns were made in Jerusalem in the 19^th century under the Ottoman Empire regimen; they were especially made to make soaps for tourists and pilgrims.
Many different patterns were made to suit the wide varied of cultures that arrived to Jerusalem.
For a wider commentary please see “Arts & Crafts of 19^th century Israel”, edited by Yona Fischer, published by the Israel museum in Jerusalem, 1979.

$285 $143