Ampulla (Flask) of Saint Menas, late 500s–mid-700s
Byzantine; Probably made at Abu Menas, near Alexandria, Egypt
Terracotta; 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (8.9 x 6.4 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1927 (27.94.19)
Technical Glossary
Byzantine; Probably made at Abu Menas, near Alexandria, Egypt
Terracotta; 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. (8.9 x 6.4 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1927 (27.94.19)
Ampullae like this were used by pilgrims to carry water or oil home from the great pilgrimage site for Saint Menas, said to be a late third-century Egyptian Roman soldier who was martyred for his Christian faith. He is shown between the two camels that returned his body to Egypt for burial.
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Related Index Terms
Art Movement/Style
Geography/Place
- • Ceramic, organized by culture, Africa (including Egypt)
- • Vessel, organized by culture, Africa (including Egypt)
Material and Technique
- • Ceramic, Unglazed
- • Ceramic, Unglazed, Africa (including Egypt)
- • Vessel, Deep, Africa (including Egypt)
Subject Matter/Theme
- • Animal
- • Animal, Camel
