c. 5th-6th Century A.D.

A pear shaped oil lamp with an elongated nozzle and four pointed star handle, two circles on the base and two lines flanking the nozzle. Partially broken filling hole. Decorated with pointed amphora and several bunch of grapes . Most likely of Jewish production. Found in Sebastia-Samaria. In good and original condition, no restoration or repair.

3.58 x 2.56 x 1.78 inches (9.1 x 6.5 x 3.5 cms)

Custom lucite stand, worldwide shipping and Certificate of Authenticity included in price.

Export Approval from Israel Antiquities Authority.

Bibliography:
Israeli and Avida, “Oil Lamps from Eretz Israel: The Louis and Carmen Warschaw Collection at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem.”, (The Israel Museum: Jerusalem, 1988).
Noam Adler, “A Comprehensive Catalog of Oil Lamps of the Holy Land from the Adler Collection”, (Old City Press: Israel, 2004).

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The population living in the Samaria region was mainly Samaritan but also included Jews, Christians and Pagans. The Samaritans developed a unique culture, including special symbols, art and lamps. The Samaritan lamps are characterized by their shape and decorations and appear from the end of the Roman period to the Early Islamic period. Other populations in the region used the lamps as well, and they are found throughout Israel and Jordan.

Antiquities
Ancient Near East