An alabastron is antiquity's version of a perfume bottle: it is a long, thin flask with a long, narrow neck and rounded bottom. Its small lug handles were often pierced to allow the vessel to be suspended with string. The content of alabastra was luxurious purfumed oil made by adding scented flowers and spices to oil. Originating in Egypt and Syria, the alabastron shape found popularity in ancient Greece, where it was produced in a variety of materials, including stone, clay, glass, and precious metals from an early date. Some alabastra would come with dip-sticks so that women could easily apply the perfume to themselves. Others would be placed in tombs.