Oil Lamp, mould made
Production date
1st Century CE-2nd Century CE
Country
Cyprus
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Object detail
Description
Lamp, mould made. Circular with high rounded shoulder, broad rim and deep plain concave discus with central fill hole. Rounded nozzle with volutes. Slightly concave base defined by groove. Two encircling grooves demarcate shoulder and discus. A slight depression between volutes indicates position of airhole in archetype. Soft fine reddish yellow to pale brown clay with dull worn and flaking glaze, unevenly fired red to red brown. Signs of 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 Cypriot
ARCHAEOLOGY Cypriot
Production date
1st Century CE-2nd Century CE
Production place
Measurements
L92mm x W63mm x D25mm
Media/Materials description
Soft fine reddish yellow to pale brown clay with dull worn and flaking glaze, unevenly fired red to red brown
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
H646
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