Roman bronze oil lamp with lunular handle
R121£225.00
Available
A small bronze oil lamp with a volute spout and an arched lunular handle on the back. The lunula was a crescent moon shaped pendant worn by girls in ancient Rome to protect themselves against evil forces, demons and sorcery, but especially against the evil eye. The lunula shaped handle may signify that this lamp served a similar protective function while illuminating a girl’s room at night.
Culture
Roman, 1st to 2nd Century AD
Size
7.9 x 3.8 cms
Condition
One side of nozzle dented and one hendle terminal lost
Provenance
Ex. private collection, Leeds, UK; acquired on the British art market.