Roman Pottery: Lampholder

Inv. No.: 77.003
Height: 169mm
Diameter: 142mm
 
Cylindrical, wheelmade lamp carrier with perforated sides. Low ring foot has a diameter of 8.5cm. The hat-like top rises to a point at the centre. Its edge curves outwards making a narrow rim which overhangs the vertical sides. Ribbed loop handle. Rectangular aperture originally 8 x 4cm has broken further on two sides. Four rows of holes meander round the vessel. Buff clay, unpainted.

Function:
Used for carrying lighted lamp.

Bibliography:
D.M. Bailey, A Cat. of the Lamps in the British Museum I (B.M., London, 1975), Q495 and Q496, Pl. 98 (Two more examples from Cyprus; good bibliography).