VESSEL

An icomplete cast copper alloy vessel of Medieval date, AD.1100-1400. The vessel is shaped like an ampulla, with a bulbous rounded body that tapers in width to a narrow neck. Two semi-circular loops would have formed handles, just two stubbs remain one at either side of the opening. Unlike the typical pilgrim souvenirs, it is not made of lead alloy. The vessel has a deep greenish-gray patina with some suface pitting. The neck of the vessel is broken. Traditional interpretations of these vessels are as a flask for holy oil. It is possible that it is from a travelling chrismatory, or set of three holy oils used in the Medieval church: oleum infirmorum for the sick; oleum catechumenorum for baptism; and chrisma or balm, used for confirmation, ordination and certain consecrations. Similar objects to this have been recorded on this database; e.g. SUR-FA2AB0, WAW-FFC367 and DENO-333244. Based on conventionally dating for these artefacts, a date is suggested of c.1100-1400 AD, although the re-use in this example may mean the object was in use for a longer time span than if it remained as the vessel. The object measures 47.36 mm in length, 37.96 mm in diameter at the widest point, 24.56 mm in width at the handles. It weighs 42.3 g,