Holy Land Pottery Oil Lamp

Umayyad Empire, Early Byzantine Period, c. 600-700AD, Holy Land.

Fascinating, mold-made terracotta oil lamp featuring a pointed oval body, tapered shoulders and a small conical handle, all embellished with a red slip. Geometrical patterns within concentric circles around filling-hole (discus) in a ‘horror vacui’ fashion typical of Early Islamic lamps. The reverse adorned with maker’s mark impressed within, depicting a double palm frond.

Small earthenware oil lamps, made from double molds, were used in temples, churches, synagogues, and mosques but were also one of the most essential household appliances in antiquity. A wick produced from plant fiber or linen fabric was placed in a reservoir filled with oil, generally castor or sesame oil, and illuminated. Throughout the Holy Land and its neighbouring regions, clay lamps were frequently decorated with motifs and symbols of various kinds, often religious.

Holy Land lamps, such as this excellent example, have mostly been recovered in Khirbet el-Mefjer near Ain el-Sultan, Jericho. They appeared at the beginning of the 7th century AD and became widespread during the Umayyad Empire (c. 661-750 AD), marking profound changes to the local material culture brought by the Moslem conquest of the region. 

Good condition. Age-related wear and signs of use. Chip and abrasion with light deposits. Nozzle had even traces of soot. Gorgeous patina. Size approx. 9,3cm x 5,8cm x 3,0cm.

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.