KL049 (Late Roman Athenian Lamp) [permalink] [show more links]
Type
Inventoried Object
Not after (date)
600
Not before (date)
540
Writing transcription
Α Ⲱ
Logical part of
Inventoried Objects from the Greek-American Excavations at Koutsongila
Typological identification
Late Roman/Early Byzantine Athenian Lamp, copy or imitation North African
Typological identification
Signature, mark, or legend (lamp)
Cited by
Rife2008a, p. 22, fig. 6
Comparanda
For figure, cf. AgoraVII, p. 174, no. 2384, pl. 37 (J. Perlzweig; 6th century)
Comparanda
For figure, cf. DemetriasIV, vol. 2, p. 113, no. II.602, pl. 82 (J. Eiwanger; 6th century)
Comparanda
For shoulder, cf. CorinthIV.2, p. 288, no. 1482, pl. XXII
Comparanda
For shoulder, cf. DemetriasIV, vol. 2, p. 110, no. II.574, pl. 79 (J. Eiwanger; 6th century)
Comparanda
For shoulder, cf. Garnett1975, pp. 197–198, nos. 20, 23, pl. 44 (Fountain of the Lamps, Corinth)
Comparanda
For shoulder, cf. KenchreaiV, p. 82, no. 428, pl. 19 (H. Williams, north mole)
Description
Circular, almost flat discus has figure in low relief, filling holes left and right, straight and wide channel to wickhole, and sharp, raised rim. Figure of bearded male ( Jesus Christ) facing forward has large nimbate head, vestment with vertical bands bearing jewels or embroidery, straight stick legs, and stick arms upraised; right hand has one or two fingers pointed up and one or two to side (gesture of benediction), and left hand holds dotted circle surmounted by a circle around a small cross with flaring arms (globus cruciger). Features are schematic and details are faint. In channel below figure are two letters in low relief: Α Ⲱ (large alpha and short miniscule omega). Shoulder has sunken panel with row of uneven, raised quadruple circles (seven per side) and rounded rim. Slight joining ridge. Long, rounded nozzle; traces of burning. Solid, fin-like handle attaches to circular base ring by ridge with two grooves; handle and ridge are off-axis.
Fabric, firing, and surface description
Fabric: 2/5YR 6/4, light reddish brown. Slip: 10R 4/6, red. Hard, smooth, fine, fabric. Thin, even, dull slip preserved in patches on top.
Preservation comment
Intact but lacking nozzle and broken between left shoulder and rim. Slight, sparse abrasion, pitting, and gouging.
Published as
Rife2022d, pp. 883-884, no. 451, fig. 19.44
Base Diameter
0.037
Handle total height
0.051
Preserved length
0.125
Width
0.071
Other Dimensions
H. base-shoulder 0.032
Other Dimensions
H. shoulder-top handle 0.019
Chronology comment
Dated mid-late 6th century
Material
Ceramic (Material)
Has visual motif (depicts)
Jesus Christ (Visual Motif)
Suggested citation
“KL049 (Late Roman Athenian Lamp).” In Kenchreai Archaeological Archive, edited by J.L. Rife and S. Heath. The American Excavations at Kenchreai, 2013-2025. <http://kenchreai.org/gaek/kl049>