Late Roman Oil Lamp with Serapis

Culture: Roman

Period: 4th-5h century A.D.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 12.5 cm long

Price: 700 Euro

Ref: 7057

Provenance: German collection Schneller prior to 1997. Thence with André Munter Archeologie, Brussels, Belgium. There acquired on 10 November 2004 by a Belgian private collection. With the original certificate. On the reverse of the certificate a label with the stamp of the court inspection of 26 June 2009 with the signature of the law clerk F. Coene N.

Condition: Intact

Description: Large oil lamp of the so-called “Red Slip Ware”, which was produced in Roman Northern Africa, possibly today’s Libya. The long snout with a round venting hole. On the mirror two pouring holes, where one still preserves remains of a burnt wick. Between the holes is the bearded god Serapis in relief to the left. He was introduced as an integrative empire god for the Greeks and Egyptians after Alexander the Great’s passing. Serapis, who also was responsible for the grain supply, carries the kalathos, the harvest basket, on his head. He holds a sceptre in his left hand. The shoulder of the lamp is decorated with finely engraved lines. At the back a circular handle.