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Lamp with bust of a bearded man (St. Peter?)
North African
Early Byzantine Period
400-500 A.D.
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
8.5 x 13.9 cm (3 3/8 x 5 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Thomas Whittemore
Accession NumberRES.57.14
CollectionsAfrica and Oceania, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Lighting devices
DescriptionA mold-made oil lamp with a concave discus and wide rim leading to a long, tapering nozzle. Stump handle with slightly pinched sides. It has a single fill hole near its center and one larger wick hole in the nozzle. The center of the discuss is decorated with the bust of a bearded male wearing a toga. The wide rim is decorated with triangular motifs. The surface surrounding the wick hole shows evidence for burning.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: Thomas Whittemore Collection; bequest of Thomas Whittemore to MFA, April 11, 1957