Description

Byzantine Clay Oil Lamp with a Menorah

During the Byzantine period, Christianity spread across the Roman Empire. Christians from far and wide came as pilgrims to the Holy Land to visit the places where Jesus lived, taught, and healed. And, of course, they wanted to visit the place where Jesus died, was buried, and rose from the dead. When these pilgrims left Jerusalem on their homeward journey, they often took with them a souvenir from the Holy Land. This souvenir was typically something that held great religious significance for its owner.

Radiated candlestick lamps such as this one were sought after as souvenirs from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. There was great significance in these small lamps that had been lit with the holy fire at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Pilgrims took them home as a lasting blessing representing the light of Christ.

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.'” (John 8:12)

This lamp is made of pinkish clay. It features a medium-sized filling hole with a double raised ring around it. Lines radiate out from the filling hole and down the nozzle of the lamp, representing the light of Christ shining. The lines on the nozzle resemble a menorah-like candlestick. The lamp was mold-made, and it dates to the late Byzantine period (7th–8th century AD).

Length:4″ inches / 10 Cm.

Width:2″ inches / 5 Cm.