AMPULLA

A Medieval cast lead alloy pilgrim's ampulla, probably dating to c. AD 1350-1530. The hollow flask-shaped ampulla is of Spencer's type 2, with a simple rounded bowl with scallop-shell decoration (now very worn) on the obverse and with a rectangular neck projecting from the top. Suspension loops survive on both sides at the base of the neck, although one has been crushed inwards. The reverse is decorated with a central longitudinal ridge from which project a series of obliquely angled, parallel lines, converging towards the neck and extending to the edge of the bowl. Both faces of the ampulla are depressed, with a recent break on the reverse of the neck.

Length: 46.3mm; Width: 30.1mm; Thickness: 10.9mm; Weight: 44.17g.

Although in use from the late 12th century, the majority of the robust ampulla to survive in England are those of the later Medieval period, probably dating to c. AD 1350-1530 (Spencer 1990: 58). Ampulla were designed to contain a draught of relic water, to be taken as cures or worn by suspension through the loops as a talisman (Spencer 1998: 203), whilst Anderson (2010) has suggested that their distribution suggests diliberate deposition on agricultural land. This is the sixth ampulla to be recorded from Cornwall since Anderson's (2010) survey, which included only a sinlge example.