Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0216-0184   CAS 0216-0184; Lamp
Category Lamps; Pottery
Object Name Lamp
Culture Roman
Global Region Europe
Country Italy
State/Prov./Dist.
County
Other Geographic Data City: Rome
Maker's Name
Date of Manufacture 5th-4th century BCE
Collection Name Allen Collection of Lamps
Materials Clay
Description Ceramic lamp in the shape of a fish; Left side of fish is decorated with letters Greek "Chi Ro" ("Christ"), with Chi as a cross; Right side of fish shows the same "Chi Ro" ("Christ"), with Chi as a cross flanked by Alpha and Omega; Hole by which to fill the oil reservoir is in the tail; Wick placed in fish’s mouth; Two holes go through the lamp, one in the dorsal fin, the other in the tail, presumably to suspend the lamp, although the bottom of the lamp is flat and supports the lamp standing upright.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 6.2, Width = 3.0, Length = 15.1