Rights Holder: David Roberts
CC License:
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Unique ID: PUBLIC-B2A2D6
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published
A near-complete cast lead alloy ampulla (pilgrim's souvenir) dating to the medieval period. The ampulla is shaped like a flask with rounded base and expanding neck which would have been squeezed close to retain the holy water within. The two side lugs are now missing. The ampulla is decorated on one side with a raised circle enclosing what looks like a St Andrew's cross, the outer rim of the flask has a scallopped edge. The opposing side of the ampulla has scallop shell decoration (Spencer's (1971) type ??). The scallop shell was originally the emblem of the apostle St. James the Greater, of Compostela, but soon became a generic symbol of pilgrim saints and pilgrims. These ampullae were bought by pilgrims from pilgrimage sites, and contained thaumaturgic (miracle-working) liquids such as holy water or water from sacred springs. They were popular souvenirs from around 1175 until the early 14th Century, when pilgrim badges became more favoured, but they continued to be made, some smaller to be worn as badges, and some more robust, functional and standardised, like this example, into the 15th or early 16th century AD.
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Broad period: MEDIEVAL
Period from: MEDIEVAL
Period to: MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 1300
Date to: Circa AD 1530
Quantity: 1
Height: 54.9 mm
Width: 37.1 mm
Thickness: 7.18 mm
Weight: 61.04 g
Date(s) of discovery: Sunday 16th July 2017
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Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Grid reference source: Generated from computer mapping software
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
No references cited so far.