ampulla
- Museum number
- 1982,1005.4
- Description
-
Earthenware ampulla flask with two handles joined to the shoulders and neck. On each side, within a border of studs, Saint Menas stands to front, his arms outstretched in blessing. Above each arm is a quincunx of raised points representing a cross. He wears a short tunic and a long cloak, and is flanked by camels. Both sides come from moulds produced by the same archetype. Part of the mouth is lost, and a small hole is broken through on one side. Buff fabric, with a few white inclusions, probably sand.
- Production date
- 480-650 (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 98 millimetres
- Curator's comments
- Terracotta IV
Purchased.
Late Roman, about AD 480-650.
Comparanda: Close: Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, e.p.337; Kiss 1989a: nos 53 and 71, from Kom el-Dikka, Alexandria, context of AD 610-650. Near: Metzger 1981: no. 19, from Gayet's excavations at Antinoopolis, dated sixth to seventh century AD; Witt 2000: no. 23, Alexandria, dated end of fifth to mid-seventh century AD.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1982
- Acquisition notes
- Christie's Sale 6.5.82.; lot 207.
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- 1982,1005.4
