Christian Terracotta Oil Lamp - Rooster Motif, c 2nd-3rd Cent AD

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Ancient Terracotta Oil Lamp with a Rooster (Christian Symbol), Ancient Roman, circa 2nd-3rd Century AD.

Mold-made terracotta clay lamp of circular design with a loop handle, extended spout and a central discus with a rooster in relief. This style of lamp was made in the Eastern Mediterranean area, possibly at Ephesus, and dates to the period AD 150-300. A rare and early example of a Christian oil lamp, in excellent condition with some white burial deposits and no repairs.

Of particular note is the symbol of a rooster depicted in relief within the discus of this lamp. According to Christian symbolism (Reference: A Handbook of Symbols in Christian Art by Gertrude Grace Sill), the rooster is a symbol of vigilance and is frequently depicted with the instruments of the Passion. Besides announcing daybreak, the rooster was the symbol alerting the faithful to work and prayer. It also represented the resurrection after the stillness of the night. Linked with St. Peter, the rooster represents Peter's denial of Christ, his subsequent awakening and repentance.

Provenance: Midwestern private collection, acquired in Turkey in mid 1960’s

Reference: Lamps in the British Museum, III Roman Provincial; Ancient Lamps From The Mediterranean by Srdjan Djuric, 1995; Light from the Age of Augustine – Harvard Divinity School 2002, #106 for another lamp with rooster motif.

Length: 3.5 inches

  • Inventory# PA-3334
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