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Description: | Complete, but broken, cast copper alloy vessel of Medieval date. The vessel is shaped like an ampulla, with a bulbous rounded body that tapers in width to a narrow neck. Two semi-circular loops form handles, one at either side of the opening. Unlike the typical pilgrim souvenirs, it is not made of lead alloy. The vessel has a deep greenish-gray patina with some suface pitting. The neck of the vessel is broken but the two fragments that complete this artefact were recovered along side indicating post-depositional damage.The inside of the vessel has been completely filled with a lead alloy. Traditional interpretations of these vessels are as a flask for holy oil. It is possible that it is from a travelling chrismatory, or set of three holy oils used in the Medieval church: oleum infirmorum for the sick; oleum catechumenorum for baptism; and chrisma or balm, used for confirmation, ordination and certain consecrations. The fact that this object has been filled with lead alloy suggests that once the original use of the vessel was no longer required, it was turned into a weight.Similar objects to this have been recorded on this database; e.g. SUR-FA2AB0, WAW-FFC367 and DENO-333244. Based on conventionally dating for these artefacts, a date is suggested of c.1100-1400 AD, although the re-use in this example may mean the object was in use for a longer time span than if it remained as the vessel.The object measures 83.2mm in length, 54.8mm in diameter at the widest point, 44.0mm in width at the handles (with the broken fragment back in place). It weighs 1131g, including all three pieces.This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
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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