Lamp

Unknown

5th–6th century · Earthenware; molded · Islamic Art

Small earthenware lamps, made from double molds, were the most commonly used source of light in daily Coptic life. A wick produced from linen fabric or plant fiber was placed in a reservoir filled with oil, generally castor or sesame oil, and illuminated. Christian symbols used as decoration, such as the cross on this lamp’s disc, were thought to offer protection for its owner.

Artist

Unknown

Date

5th–6th century

Medium

Earthenware; molded

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1927