ampulla
- Museum number
- 1883,0621.54
- Description
-
Earthenware ampulla: on side (a), within a wreath (showing only in places), Saint Menas stands to front, his arms outstretched in blessing. His head divides an inscription in relief, much obliterated, but probably similar to that on registration no. 1874,0314.37. He wears a short tunic and a long cloak, and is flanked by camels. On side (b), a bird, probably an eagle, stands to right within a vine on a double baseline, the details indistinct. The mouth and handles are largely lost. Orange fabric with a buff surface. Traces of what appears to be a white post-firing dressing survive.
- Production date
- 480-650 (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 3.15 inches
- $Inscriptions
-
- Curator's comments
- Terracotta IV
Purchased: Greville J. Chester.
Late Roman, about ad 480-650.
Comparanda: Sides (a) and (b): close and clearer: Murray 1907: pl. i:3.
Side (a): near: Kaufmann 1910: 107, fig. 42, centre, from Abu Mena, dated fourth to seventh century AD; Witt 2000: no. 44, side A, dated end of fifth to mid-seventh century AD: inscription not legible, but 'O ΑΓIOC ΜΗΝΑC' is suggested.
Side (b): close: Kaufmann 1908: 69, fig. 48:1, from Abu Mena. Not unlike Witt 2000: no. 44, side B, dated end of fifth to mid-seventh century AD.
Bibliog: Dalton 1901: no. 884; Murray 1907: 114.
- Location
- Not on display
- Condition
- The surfaces much worn.
- Acquisition date
- 1883
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1883,0621.54
