About 2,000 years old Oil Lamp

This is a transitional lamp-type between the early Roman oil-lamp and the Roman oil-lamp of Eretz Israel (in the fourth and fifth century AD). It is about 2,000 years old. It was made on a mould and has a large filling hold - perhaps to ensure smoother burning - as the size of the hole enables oxygen to be drawn more easily into the lamp cavity and the wick sometimes fills the whole of the snout shutting off the oxygen, thereby extinguishing the flame. It is round and flat, with deep red burnish covering the entire inside and outside. The ornamentation on the shoulders are clear, showing the characteristic identifying mark of the Roman lamp, the double axe, prominently raised. There are also volutes which highlight a round nozzle which is slightly chipped. Separating the shoulders from the broken discus, a distinguishing mark of this transitional lamp-type, is a clearly-defined ridge and sloping ledge, both of which are intended to prevent oil spillage. The base of the lamp has a ridge which keeps the lamp in a firm position. 
At the centre of the base is a mark of the Roman numeral "I V", perhaps to 
indicate that this is the fourth type of lamp produced at a certain workshop.
  Top View
 clay ; 3 x 8 cm. diam.
  Side View
Base showing I V, perhaps to indicate that this is the fourth type of lamp produced at a certain workshop.
Glossary
Volutes : spiral stonework scroll as an ornament.

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© October 2000