Oil Lamp, mould made, watch-shaped
Production date
Circa 2nd Century BCE
Country
Cyprus
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Object detail
Description
Lamp, watch-shaped. Mould made with applied lug and nozzle. Biconical body with large central fill hole surrounded by wide flat rim and radiate vertical grooves on shoulder, very indistinct. Broad projecting nozzle, flat on top, convex beneath and sloping toward base. Incised grooves extending along sides of nozzle to wick hole. Slightly raised concave base. Vestigial lug handle on right side. Smooth flaking reddish-orange clay, fired dark grey. Heavy encrustation. Signs of burning at wick hole. (Webb, Jennifer M., 1997 "Corpus of Cypriote Antiquities", Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol. XX: p 14)
Classification
LIGHTING Kerosene & Oil oil lamp
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot
Production date
Circa 2nd Century BCE
Production place
Measurements
L79mm x W56mm x D34mm
Media/Materials description
Smooth flaking reddish-orange clay, fired dark grey.
Signature/Marks
decoration
History and use
The need to extend daylight hours has always been with us. Before the advent of electricity, allowing a space to be illuminated with the simple flick of a switch, light was achieved by the use of a candle or a lamp. Artificial lighting via candles and lamps was widespread through the ancient world. Lamps were utilised in private and public buildings, in temples and sanctuaries, in street lighting and in ceremonies.
Associated person
Registration number
H642
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