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AMPULLA
Unique ID: WILT-D54B4B
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete late medieval lead pilgrim's ampulla (holy water flask) dating to the period AD 1350-1530. The ampulla is incomplete as the neck is missing. All that remains is the rounded body of the ampulla which has been flattened. The cast marks along the edges are visible. The flattening of the ampulla means that the decoration is not very clear but it appears to have scallop shell decoration (the symbol of pilgrimage) on one side and there appears to have been a decorative motif on the other side.
Ampullae were designed to contain a dose of thaumaturgic (magic or miracle) water, which would have been given to the pilgrims at the shrines and holy wells (Spencer, 1990 part 2, p. 86).
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1350
Date to: Circa AD 1530
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 50.05 mm
Width: 31.81 mm
Thickness: 9.18 mm
Weight: 42.39 g
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: SSWM 4250
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: South West (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Swindon (Unitary Authority)
District: Swindon (Unitary Authority)
To be known as: Swindon
Spatial coordinates
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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Timeline of associated dates
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