This horned altar was used as a incense burner by the ancient people of Qumran. The intricately sculpted altar, however, symbolizes more history and meaning than what most people today can imagine. According to the bible, ancient temples had small horned altars inside for a very special purpose. By holding a horn on the altar, a person with guilt could be redeemed. In a holy altar, a priest could send the one of guilt holding onto the horn of an altar to the city of refuge to bring a full redemption. This delicate terra-cotta altar has retained such valuable history and purpose long after the ancient biblical time, its symbolism lasting until the period in Qumran. Placed in an altar, this beautiful terra-cotta altar perhaps burned aromatic incense with a special significance.