Oil Lamp, mould made, rosette motif
Production date
Circa 1st Century CE
Country
Cyprus
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Object detail
Description
Lamp, probably made in a plaster mould. Circular with high sloping shoulder, narrow rim and deep concave discus with central fill-hole. Long rounded nozzle with volutes. Slightly concave base defined by groove. Four encircling grooves on rim. On discus a sharply defined eight petalled rosette. Fine buff brown clay with worn and flaking red to dark brown glaze, unevenly fired. Knife paring on upper body. Signs of burning on wick hole. (Webb, Jennifer M., 1997 "Corpus of Cypriote Antiquities", Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology, Vol. XX: p 15)
Classification
LIGHTING Kerosene & Oil oil lamp
ARCHAEOLOGY Roman lamp mould
ARCHAEOLOGY Roman lamp mould
Production date
Circa 1st Century CE
Production place
Measurements
L97mm x W68mm x D25mm
Media/Materials description
Fine buff brown clay with worn and flaking red to dark brown glaze, unevenly fired.
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
H643