Roman Lamp

Inv. No.: 82.041
Provenance: North Africa
Width: 142mm

Red pottery lamp with lug handle.On the discus a reversed Chi-Rho monogram (the first letters of Christ's name in Greek). Around the edge, floral and geometric decoration alternating except at the end nearest the nozzle on the right where there is a lively horse's head in relief. These lamps with Christian monograms, or symbolic animals, were made in two-part moulds and, like this example, are invariably found unused. They were manufactured and placed immediately in the tomb.

Comparanda:
Ede,Antiq.114.12a,b.