This lamp, most likely Late Roman, is made from an orange clay and shows traces of matte red slip and accretions in the crevices. It is a simple, ovoid shape that is pointed on both ends and bears a larger, open hole in the center. Possibly from around the third to fifth century C.E., there is a small stub handle protruding off the back. Around the central hole is a ring, followed by a relief decoration, possibly a wreath or garland. Wreaths are a common decorative element in Greek and Roman art, with connotations of festivity and victory.

Comparanda:

Royal Ontario Museum inv. no. 963.159.1282 (Robertson, W.B. Ancient Lamps in the Ontario Royal Museum. Toronto: Royal Ontario Museum, 1980, pg. 56, Plate 28, Fig. 251)

Royal Ontario Museum inv. no. 965.114.200 (Robertson, W.B. Ancient Lamps in the Ontario Royal Museum. Toronto: Royal Ontario Museum, 1980, pg. 83, Plate 40, Fig. 345)

For lamp with similar shape and handle in the RomQ Reference Collection, see http://www.romulus2.com/lamps/database/lamp.php?66

For a lamp with similar motif in the RomQ Reference Collection, see http://www.romulus2.com/lamps/database/lamp.php?60

For lamp with similar shape (central hole) in the ROMQ Reference Collection, see http://www.romulus2.com/lamps/database/lamp.php?73

Research by Amy Nicholas, '11