Hanuš, L.O., Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University, Ein Kerem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
Ben-Yehoshua, S., Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, ARO, The Volcani Center, PO Box 6, Bet Dagan, Bet Dagan 50250, Israel

An alabaster lid with a resinous accretion burnt or stuck next to the handle and on the base was uncovered in the Nabataean rest stop in Moyat Aawad (Moa) in the Arava valley in Israel. The analysis of this resin sample utilising GC-MS revealed several types of compounds. The chemical analysis revealed compounds typically present in pine tar and plant lipid material (probably oil). The use of pine resin, tar and pitch derived from plant resins is documented in antiquity, not only as a sealant or caulking material but also as medicines, antiseptics and ritual balms. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S.