KE 946 (Early Byzantine Regional Lamp) [permalink] [next]
Type
Inventoried Object
Technique
Scattered large clay globules in the original from plaster mold. Details of design in the original are smeared across clay; some figures in shoulder are uneven and show uncut raised areas around them. Very blurry relief due to surmoulage from worn lamp. Finger prints across base. Prominent webbing and joining ridge; handle bent to left during molding.
Regional (Corinthian?) copy of North African Bonifay lampe type 71 (‟copie de type Atlante X en céramique commune”): late recreation of central Tunisian format cf. Atlante Type XA, Group C3=Bonifay lampe type C5 (central Tunisian) (Bonifay2004, pp. 382 and 417)
Description
Rough copy with irregular cross pattée fashioned over uncertain original discus design (traces to right).
Fabric, firing, surface
Typical Late Antique regional (Corinthian?) “red” fabric: hard, gritty; uncommon to common, small, subangular white particles.
Preservation description
One large sherd preserves 75% of lamp but missing front including entire nozzle. Slight, sparse abrasion and chipping; mostly clean breaks; thin, extensive film of white discoloration (calcareous).
