Object Description
An extremely well preserved early Byzantine bronze oil lamp featuring a large cross handle. The vessel features a carinated body, which tapers into a rounded, thick-rimmed nozzle. There is a large filling hole to the centre of the body, set with a lid, shaped into a scallop shell. The lid is hinged at the top and still functions. Forming the base of the lid is a large cross-shaped, looped handle. The cross has gently flaring arms and is decorated along its entirety with incised concentric circle-and-dot motifs. The large loop at the rear of the lamp would have been used for holding. There is an additional plinth support, attached from the top of the cross to the loop, to counteract the weight of the cross. Inside the large body is a rising channel, which would have been used to support the wick. Such lamps would have been used either in the hand or with an additional stand. The lack of chain and hanging loop means this lamp was not suspended.
Date: Circa 6th – 7th century AD