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Description: | A fragment of a cast lead or lead alloy pilgrims ampulla dating from the medieval period; late 13th - late 15th century (1250-1500 AD).The fragment is irregular in plan and rounded sub-oval in cross section. The lower part has a rounded convex base and the opposing edge is irregular. The front and rear faces of the ampulla are decorated with cast motifs. On one face is a linear design, it is not clear what this design may represent. The reverse (other side) of the ampulla has the remains of a floral design. Around a central pellet there are three surviving flower petals arranged evenly; each petal is formed from a pointed teardrop hoop. The petal contains horizontal lines. The ampulla is a light cream colour. This patina has been abraded in several areas revealing a light grey metal beneath. It is probable that the ampulla was broken due to modern plough damage.Spencer (1990) suggests that ampullae were used to contain holy water, as a souvenir of a pilgrimage and 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. Not enough ampullae have been recorded in the West to say if a similar tradition is prevalent here. Similar examples can be found in Spencer (1990 p:57-62) No's 132-146. This fragment was found in the same field as another ampulla fragment, record number HESH-938DB4.The fragments measures, 29.7mm in length, 17.1mm maximum width, 4.8mm thick and weighs 7.3 grams.Spencer, B. (1990) Pilgrim Souvenirs & Secular Badges. Salisbury Museum Medieval Catalogue Part 2. Salisbury, Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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