Matara pilgrim's flask, Ottoman Empire, probably 16th century Tall gourd in stitched brown leather, with a pouring spout and a filling neck closed by a wooden stopper separated by two bridge handles. Max. height44 cm Minor wear and stains, worm-eaten and damaged stopper. This type of gourd was made for pilgrims to Mecca to draw holy water from the well at the Haram al-Sharif shrine in Mecca.