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Description: | A cast lead or lead alloy ampulla. In plan it is sub-drop shape with a straight upper edge. The ampulla has also been bent over obliquely at the narrowest point at the neck after it has been ripped along this line. The rip is not recent. The ampulla has a slightly swollen rounded base, and a narrowed neck. Both lower faces of the ampulla are decorated. One face is decorated with a high-relief flower design and the other cross-hatching on the reverse face; however the overall design is unclear due to the fold. The upper edge of the ampulla is slightly abraded, but has been closed or crimped, but does appear to be opened, instead the contents may have been used via the rip. The surface of the ampulla has developed a light grey/cream coloured patina. Its length from the upper edge to the apex of the base is 33.07mm, the maximum width across the lower portion is 27.87mm, and the thickness of the base of the ampulla is 20.49mm. It weighs 32.88g. Ampullae were used as a flask to hold holy water, becoming a souvenir of a pilgrimage; they date to the late 12th to 15th centuries (Spencer, B. 1990, Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges, Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum p, 57 ff). The origin of this ampulla is not known.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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