Lamp

5th–6th century

Not on view

Small earthenware lamps, made from double molds, were the most commonly used source of light in daily Coptic life. A wick produced from linen fabric or plant fiber was placed in a reservoir filled with oil, generally castor or sesame oil, and illuminated. Christian symbols used as decoration, such as the cross on this lamp’s disc, were thought to offer protection for its owner.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Lamp
Date: 5th–6th century
Geography: Attributed to Egypt
Medium: Earthenware; molded
Dimensions: Ht. 1 15/16 in. (5 cm)
W. 5 5/16 in. (13.5 cm)
D. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1927
Object Number: 27.94.1
Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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