COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
CMA_.1999.230
AMICA Library Year:
2001
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality:
African; North African; Egyptian
Creator Name-CRT:
Egypt, 6th-7th century
Title:
Pilgrim's Ampulla (Oil Flask) with St. Menas
Title Type:
Primary
View:
Full View
Creation Date:
500-700
Creation Start Date:
500
Creation End Date:
699
Materials and Techniques:
terracotta
Classification Term:
Ceramic
Dimensions:
Overall: 10.5cm x 6.8cm
AMICA Contributor:
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location:
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number:
1999.230
Credit Line:
Gift of Bruce Ferrini in memory of Robert P. Bergman
Context:
These flasks bear the image of Saint Menas, an early martyr of the Christian Church whose shrine was in the desert southwest of Alexandria in Egypt. These flasks were probably used by pilgrims to hold oil taken from the lamp that burned over this saint's tomb. Probably manufactured near the shrine, pilgrim's flasks often bear decorations hinting at their place of origin, as is the case here.
Related Image Identifier Link:
CMA_.1999.230.tif
