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Description: | An incomplete lead or lead alloy Pilgrim's Ampulla of the Medieval period, dating from c. AD 1200 - c. AD 1400.Approximately 90% of the ampulla is present, with incomplete handles and a damaged top.In plan it is broadly U shape with horizontal linear upper edge and a narrowed neck. This horizontal edge of the ampulla appears to be crimped together. Just below the upper edge the neck of the ampulla is slightly waisted with the remains of a lug on both sides. The ampulla is slightly bulbous, but the surface is undulating due to damage, and has a slightly bevelled edge around the lower edge. The front face has been decorated with a central lis motif consisting of raised curved lines, the two sides of the lis pattern have been decorated with three pellets forming a triangle. At the base of the lis is a rectangular band made up of raised horizontal lines which has been decorated with evenly spaced pellets. The reverse has been decorated with what appears to be a circle with writing around a border. However detail is difficult to see due to wear and damage. A casting seam is present around the sides of the ampulla.The ampulla measures 45.7 mm in length and is 25.9 mm wide at the top and is 27.5 mm wide at the base. It has a thickness of 6.3 mm. It weighs 33.2 g.The ampulla is a light grey in colour, with an even surface patina. Abrasion caused by movement whilst within the plough soil may have resulted in the loss of some of the original surface detail.Ampullae were used as a flask to hold holy water, becoming a souvenir of a pilgrimage; they generally date to the late 12th to 15th centuries (Spencer, 1990, 57). The style of this ampulla is of a late Medieval date where ampulla becomes smaller and less ornate (ibid: 205). Ampullae such as this type are rarely found in urban areas, but more in rural areas which may reflect the folk practice such as burying the ampulla in fields to protect crops and livestock from illness (ibid: 205). Other similar examples of this type of Ampulla have been recorded on the database including, WMID-85A954 and WMID-0C0184.Reference:Spencer, B. 1990. Pilgrim Souvenirs and Secular Badges. Salisbury and 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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