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Description: | Incomplete cast lead or lead alloy pilgrims ampulla dating from the medieval period; late 13th - late 15th century (1250-1450). The pilgrims' ampulla has been folded in half irregularly - originally it was broadly sub-rectangular in plan and profile. The lower part has a rounded convex base that tapers slightly to form a waste at the mid point. This then flares outwards towards the upper edge. Where the ampulla sides flare there are two broken stumps (one on either side) where small integral cast loops would have fitted. It is likely that the damage to the artefact was caused pre-deposition as there are no tears in the corrosion surface which may indicate recent damage in the soil.The original dimensions of the ampulla cannot be measured. However, what remains measures, 27.9mm in length (from the upper edge to the centre of the fold), 25.6mm maximum width (across the base of the ampulla), and is 18.4mm thick (across the two folded sides). The ampulla weighs 44.26 grams. The front and rear face of the ampulla are decorated with cast motifs. These designs have been abraded. On the lower part of the front face of the ampulla is a partial design, which could be interpreted as an a crowned W (probably the symbol for the shrine at Walsingham Abbey). The upper part (neck) of the ampulla has a series of marks but these are too worn to interpret with any certainty. The design on the reverse face is preserved by the fold and consists of a shell design, representing the shell of St James - the symbol of Pilgrimage. The ampulla is a mid grey cream colour with an uneven patina. This patina has been abraded in multiple areas revealing a mid grey metal beneath. There are several areas of damage present. Where abrasion and tearing has occurred a light grey powdery corrosion product is present. These areas of damage are consistent with abrasion occurring in the plough zone of a field. Ampullae were used to contain holy water, as a souvenir of a pilgrimage; they date to the 13th to 15th centuries. It has been suggested that many of these are found unconnected with religious sites (specifically in East Anglia) and it is thought that they could have been used and discarded in a religious ceremony to bless the fields. For similar ampullae see Salisbury Museum Medieval Catalogue II
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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