AMPULLA

A complete medieval lead pilgrim's ampulla (c. AD 1150-1500). The shape is similar to a small leather pouch, with a rounded lower 'bag' section which tapers in at the middle before flaring out to a flat top with two handles either side.

On the lower half of the ampulla, one face is decorated with a quatrefoil (or daisywheel) motif on a raised cross-hatch background. The four leaves are formed of thin raised lines with a central midrib. They are joined in the centre by a single raised pellet. On the other face there is a heart filled with cross-hatching topped by a fleur-de-lis. This may possibly be part of a stylised crown, but the ampulla is too worn on this face to see clearly. Either side of the fleur-de-lis are markings that may be letters: a capital P to the left, and an illegible letter to the right. The decorated lower half of the ampulla has faceted edges with a seam line. There is some damage to this face, possibly recent owing to the lack of surface deterioration and sharp, cut edges. The 'neck' is funnel-shaped and 'crimped' shut at the open end, originally to seal the holy water inside. Thin lug handles (14.47mm wide and 3.31mm thick, squashed, but intact) extend to either side of the neck and are roughly triangular in shape, and square in section.

The object measures 52.06mm in height, 30.74mm in width, 8.75mm in thickness and weighs 47.92g. 

Ampullae are known from the late 12th century AD and were in use until the end of the 15th century, although it seems the appearance of pilgrim badges in the early 14th century may have contributed to their decline in popularity. The strawberry-shaped heart is a common motif and similar designs have been found on ampullae found in Salisbury (Spencer, 1990: p. 91, no. 186). Cf. HAMP-F84D27.