Hi, all. Here is a
terracotta red-slip fragment that I think may be a
lamp discus with an unusual and distinctive
portrait to left. Any ideas about the identity of the figure or alternate suggestions about the source of the fragment would be appreciated. It appears to be an elderly
man with beard and moustache, somewhat exaggerated facial features, wearing some
type of hat, or helmet. The fragment is quite thick and in high relief. The underside shows traces of a fingerprint and a smear where the clay was pressed into the mold. I am thinking maybe
Silenus, Hephaestus, or an actor, priest, or merchant.
Thanks, V-drome
BCC CG24
Decorated
Oil Lamp Discus?
Caesarea Maritima
1st-2nd Century CE?
Fragment of an Early
Roman oil lamp?
Terracottafragment in high relief, bearing the profile of a old
man? with beard and moustache. He has somewhat
exaggerated facial features and wears a distinctive
head covering. Medium
fine grained, light tan clay with
red slip. Manufacture: Mould made.
Origin: N.
Africa? or
Italy?
Dimensions: 3.0 x 2.7 x 0.65cm.
Weight: 3.64gm.
Surface find
Caesarea Maritima, 1971
(click for larger pics)