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Description: | An incomplete cast lead or lead alloy pilgrims ampulla dating from the medieval period; late 13th - late 15th century (1250-1450). The pilgrims' ampulla is incomplete and fragmentary with only the lower flask surviving. In plan and profile the ampulla is broadly sub-rectangular. The lower part has a rounded convex base; the waist neck and side lugs / handles are lost. The front face of the ampulla is decorated with a cast motif; the reverse is poorly preserved and any details once present are now lost. The design on the front face consists of a wide spread crown with thick lower band and arching central lis; the upper part of the crown is lost . The ampulla is a mid grey cream colour with an uneven patina. This patina has been abraded in several areas revealing a mid grey metal beneath. A similar ampulla from Salisbury are illustrated by Brian Spencer (1990: 61 cat no 139, fig. 181) dating them from AD 1350-1530.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. Not enough ampullae have been recorded in the West to say if a similar tradition is prevalent here.The ampulla measures, 30.6mm in length (from the upper edge to the apex of the base), 31.3mm maximum width (across the base of the ampulla), and is 6.8mm thick (at the base). The ampulla weighs 19.6 grams.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/ | Go to resource |
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