Pilgrim flask | Ampulla
Artist
Unknown
CultureRoman
Date3rd century A.D.-7th century A.D.
MediumTerracotta
DimensionsOverall: 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm)
Credit LineBequest of Holladay Mitchell
Object number63.84.93
Not on view
DescriptionAmpulla depicting St. Menas. Ancient Roman, Coptic Christian Pilgrim's flask. Coptic period, about 3rd century. Excavated at Alexandria. St. Menas-Bishop of Alexandria with nimbus over his head, killing the lions. Oil in flask was used to anoint the heads of Christians going forth to executions (very rare).Published ReferencesCarl Maria Kaufmann, ZUR IKONOGRAPHIE DER MENAS-AMPULLEN, Cairo, 1910. (per Frances F. Jones 1985: Menas flask, 4th-7th c. A.D., check the locus classicus in this reference.)
6th century
