Object Description
A terracotta, North African, Roman oil lamp featuring an elongated oval body and a circular discuss. A raised ridge surrounds the discuss, which continues around the large nozzle hole to form a broad canal. A solid spike like handle, which is flattened on each side, sits at the top of the lamp. The base of the lamp is supported by a ring foot, joined to the handle, and known as a ‘patera’. The discuss, with two filling holes on either side, is decorated with the profile of lady, wearing a saccos headdress and an elaborate necklace. Her profile is surrounded by concentric geometric designs. The shoulder is also enriched with various motifs, including floral, circular and square designs. This oil lamp would have been made in a mold.
This oil lamp resembles Atlante type X; Hayes type IIA
Date: Circa 4th – 6th century AD