Container for Holy Oils

Unknown

400–600 · Bone, with paint and metal pins · Medieval Art

This portable container for holy oils is decorated with incised circular patterns, some of which may have a cosmological meaning. Used for both baptisms and confirmations, the container could also be suspended from a chain or strap worn around the neck.

Artist

Unknown

Date

400–600

Medium

Bone, with paint and metal pins

Culture

Frankish

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1965