North Africa, possibly Tunisia - need to check type. Note that the discus motif is 'upside-down' (the tip of the grape bunch points to the handle), and generally motifs on North African lamps are oriented to be viewed with the nozzle pointing towards the viewer.
4th - 5th century CE

Parallels: Rosenthal & Sivan suggest Hayes IIB (based on their written description as they have none of that type in their catalogue). No parallel in Royal Ontario Museum catalogue.

Date: probably 5th to 6th century AD, but need to check date of Hayes IIB, Late Roman Pottery.

Catalogued: Kate da Costa, 1999; entered 3 August 2001.

Oil lamp, terracotta, maker unknown, North Africa, Roman period, 3rd century CE

North African ceramic oil lamp, mould made. The lamp is made from medium levigation clay, featuring tiny grey, red/brown stones and pink quartz, and is of crude construction, with the tip of the wick hole missing. The lamp features a typically high reservoir with floral patterns on the flat shoulder consisting of alternating six-petalled flowers and ivy leaves. There are two filler holes in the discus each side of a stylised bunch of grapes. The lamp features a low plain handle which joins a low flattened base ring. It is covered with a glossy slip and appears to have been heavily used, indicated by burn marks extending along the nozzle and front of the lamp.

Colours: from handle the fabric is ca 2.5YR6/8. Slip: ca 2.5 YR5/8 (Munsell colour system).

Catalogued: Kate da Costa, 1999; entered 3 August 2001.

Made: North Africa; 350 - 600

: 205 BC - 95 BC

No marks

A8837

350 - 600

50 mm

120 mm