Rights Holder: Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service
CC License:
Our images can be used under a CC BY attribution licence (unless stated otherwise).
Unique ID: ESS-5AA71E
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation
An incomplete Medieval copper alloy flask, dating AD 1100-1400. The object would have had a globular body, tapering towards the neck. The rim appears to be straight and one of two integrally cast loops remains, the other would be on the opposite side. It has a mid-light green patina. The vessel has been damaged and distorted so much that the original shape of the object is no longer visible.
Similar examples are recorded on the PAS database (cf. ESS-E60906). They have often been found with the name of their contents engraved on the outside.Traditional interpretations of these vessels are as flasks 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.
Dimensions: height: 40.78 mm; width: 47.19 mm; thickness: 1.92 mm; weight: 41.46g.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1100
Date to: Circa AD 1400
Quantity: 1
Height: 40.78 mm
Width: 47.19 mm
Thickness: 1.92 mm
Weight: 41.46 g
This information is restricted for your access level.
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
4 Figure: TL9428
Four figure Latitude: 51.91672487
Four figure longitude: 0.81945616
1:25K map: TL9428
1:10K map: TL92NW
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 100 metre square.
No references cited so far.