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AMPULLA
Unique ID: YORYM-F42196
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
An incomplete lead-alloy pilgrim's ampulla of medieval date, c.AD 1350 - 1550. The body of the ampulla is circular with a flat base and an elongated neck extending from one edge. A distorted loop projects from one side of the neck where it meets the body and would have been used for attachment. The opposite side is broken and distorted as is the neck. One face of the body is decorated with parallel grooves, possibly in an attempt to replicate a scallop shell design.
The metal has a light yellowish-white patina and is worn. The ampulla is 35.2mm long, 26.1mm wide, 16.9mm thick and weighs 30.7g.
Ampullae were an important pilgrim souvenir known to have been in use from the late 12th century and were designed to contain a dose of thaumaturgic water, which would have been given to pilgrims at holy shrines and wells. The water would be taken as a cure to illness or disability or worn as a talisman. The popularity of ampulla dwindled in the early 14th century, giving way to pilgrim badges, however it is believed that they continued in use to the end of the 15th century.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1350
Date to: Circa AD 1550
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 35.2 mm
Width: 26.1 mm
Thickness: 16.9 mm
Weight: 30.7 g
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: YMT : E05278
Materials and construction
Spatial metadata
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber (European Region)County or Unitary authority: East Riding of Yorkshire (Unitary Authority)
District: East Riding of Yorkshire (Unitary Authority)
Parish or ward: Langtoft (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: TA0066
Four figure Latitude: 54.08022003
Four figure longitude: -0.47297834
1:25K map: TA0066
1:10K map: TA06NW
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
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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