Description

Terracotta Oil Lamp

Samaritan Type

300-500 AD

Roman Middle East

Size of the Samaritan Type Terracotta Oil Lamp is about 4 inches by 2.5 inches. Weight is about 82 grams.

The Samaritan-type terracotta oil lamp, dating from 300-500 AD, represents a distinctive form of Roman-period lighting artifacts found in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly in regions influenced by both Roman and local cultures. Characterized by its simple, functional design, the lamp typically features a round or slightly oval body with a central filling reservoir, a nozzle for the wick, and often a handle for easy handling. These lamps were crafted from terracotta, a material that allowed for mass production and widespread use across households and religious settings. The Samaritan-type lamps are known for their decorative elements, which can include geometric patterns, stylized motifs, or religious symbols, reflecting both the everyday nature of the object and its cultural significance. These lamps offer insight into the daily life, material culture, and religious practices of the people living in the Roman Middle East during this period.

Ex: Collection of US Ambassador Morris Draper. Acquired from Sands of Time.

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