Object Description
A fine Late Roman-Early Byzantine terracotta oil lamp, featuring an elongated oval body with a rounded, sunken discus. The discus depicts a Saint praying, standing fully frontal with raised hands in the Orans position. He wears an ornate pleated robe and elaborate headdress. Attention has been paid to the details of the figure, with his eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth still visible. The figure is flanked by two filling holes, one on either side. A raised ridge encircles the discus and extends outwards around the nozzle hole, forming a broad channel on the rounded spout. The shoulders of the lamp are decorated on both sides with a series of circular, triangular, floral, and leaf-like motifs. These motifs are further enriched by concentric, geometric, and beaded designs within. A spike-like lug handle, flattened on each side, sits at the top of the lamp. The entire lamp sits on raised ring base with a concentric circle at the centre.
This lamp is classified as Hayes II A.
Date: Circa 3rd-5th Century AD