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Description: | An incomplete cast lead pilgrim's ampulla of medieval date. The ampulla is very damaged and worn. The body of the ampulla is sub-circular and a rectangular neck is present at one end though it has been bent back in on itself. A large tear is present along one edge of the ampulla from the base of the neck to the bottom of the body. One face is decorated with a double central band from which three rays' project within an encompassing circle. Any further decoration has been rendered indistinct and only a small patch of cross hatching remains on the reverse.The metal is a light brownish-white colour and is extremelyworn. The ampulla is 33.4mm long, 33.3mm wide, 9.9mm thick and weighs 32.1g.Ampullae such as this were an important pilgrim souvenir known to have been in use from the late 12th century and were designed to contain a dose of thaumaturgic water, which would have been given to pilgrims at holy shrines and wells. The water would be taken as a cure to illness or disability or worn as a talisman. The popularity of ampulla dwindled in the early 14th century, giving way to pilgrim badges, however it is believed that they continued in use to the end of the 15th century.
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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