Roman North African Terracotta Oil Lamp with Christ

Object Description

An Ancient Roman terracotta oil lamp featuring an elongated oval body and a circular discus. The lamp’s discus displays Christ with a halo, wearing a tunic and holding a staff with a cross. There are two angles on either side at shoulder level. Christ is standing on a snake and a lion. To the left is a basilisk and to the right is a dragon. There are two filling holes flanking the scene. 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 circles of alternating Chi-Rho and cross motifs. There is a spike-like lug handle, flattened on each side. The lamp stands on a raised ring base. This lamp is identified as an Atlante X; Hayes II A.

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 along the sides and nozzle of the lamp. ‘320’ written on the base and the collection reference written on the side of the nozzle from the previous owner. The basilisk is no longer fully visible. Encrustation to the surface along with wear to the depiction consistent with age. A small chip on the ridge framing the scene.

Object Details