Roman North African Terracotta Oil Lamp with Amphora

Object Description

An Ancient Roman terracotta oil lamp featuring an elongated oval body and a circular discus. The lamp’s discus displays an amphora. The vessel is framed in a small circle with dots in the back ground. There are two filling holes flanking the amphora. A raised ridge encircles the discus and extends towards the nozzle hole, forming a broad channel on the rounded spout. The shoulders are decorated with squares and concentric circles, some now partially covered. There is a spike-like lug handle, flattened on each side. The lamp stands on a raised ring base with two smaller circles inside.

Date: Circa 4th-5th century AD

Object History

Private collection, Belgium acquired in Sbeitla, Tunisia in 1973: recorded in a March 1985 insurance document.

Object Condition

Fine condition, repairs around the nozzle and on the left of the discus/shoulder. Minor chip to the lower left of the shoulder. Reference numbers and letters written to the base from the previous owner.

Object Details