Holy Land Pottery Oil Lamp

Umayyad Empire, Early Byzantine Period, c. 600-800AD, Holy Land.

This excellent mold-made terracotta oil lamp exemplifies the artistry and utility of ancient household items. Its small oval body features angled shoulders adorned with intricate laurel-wreath and vine-scroll motifs, symbolizing victory and abundance. The triangular handle adds a functional and balanced design element. At the top, a large filling hole (discus) with a pronounced rim is encircled by additional ridges that extend to the nozzle and wick hole. These ridges are further embellished with a linear and dotted relief pattern, possibly representing a palm branch—a motif rich with cultural and spiritual significance. The reverse is unadorned, maintaining a simple elegance, while the nozzle remains charred, bearing the marks of ancient use.

Terracotta oil lamps like this were indispensable in antiquity, illuminating sacred and domestic spaces alike. A wick made of plant fiber or linen was placed in a reservoir filled with castor or sesame oil to produce light. These lamps often featured decorative elements that carried religious or cultural meaning, blending functionality with artistic and symbolic expression. Extensively recovered from sites like Khirbet el-Mefjer near Ain el-Sultan, Jericho, these lamps emerged at the beginning of the 7th century AD. They became widespread during the Umayyad Empire (c. 661–750 AD), reflecting the profound cultural and material shifts brought about by the Muslim conquest of the region. This exceptional piece offers a tangible connection to the craftsmanship, daily life, and spiritual practices of the Holy Land during a transformative historical period.

Good condition. Age-related light wear. Minor chip in the wick-hole. Rich earthen deposits. Gorgeous patina. Size approx. 8,7cm x 5,4cm x 2,5cm.

Provenance: Danish private collection. 

References and further reading:

Light and Life: Ancient Christian Oil Lamps of the Holyland (Studium Biblicum S.) Stanislao Loffreda, Franciscan Printing Press, 2001.