This lamp, the most primitive in the collection, is made from a coarse, dark fabric and is most likely from the 1^st century C.E. The body is bowl-like, allowing for open burning, and is somewhat flattened at the bottom. The edge of the bowl is pinched to form a small nozzle, and there is evidence of much burning from the dark residue on the bowl and on the rims of the lamp. It is obvious that this lamp is handmade due to its irregular shape and simple body with no decoration.

Comparanda:

Ontario Royal Museum inv. no. 910.166.82 (Robertson, W.B. Ancient Lamps in the Ontario Royal Museum. Toronto: Royal Ontario Museum, 1980, pg. 4, Plate 1, Fig. 3)

For similar open lamps in the ROMQ Reference Collection, see http://www.romulus2.com/lamps/database/lamp.php?178 and http://www.romulus2.com/lamps/database/lamp.php?151

Research by Amy Nicholas, '11