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Description: | A complete lead pilgrim's ampulla of medieval date. The body of the ampulla is semi-circular with an elongated rectangular neck extending from the straight edge. The body is in the form of a scallop shell on one side and the decoration on the other is obscured due to wear. The scallop shell was the symbol of St James and originally that of his shrine at Santiago de Compostela. Souvenirs with scallop shell designs therefore served to signify that pilgrims had completed their pilgrimage.The metal is a light whitish-grey colour and is worn. The ampulla is 40.3mm long, 34.6mm wide, 10.3mm thick and weighs 49.6g.Ampullae 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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