Dec 18, 2008
Dec 18, 2008

Pilgrim's Flask with Saint Menas

Pilgrim's Flask with Saint Menas

400–600

Terracotta

Overall: 6.7 x 7.2 cm (2 5/8 x 2 13/16 in.)

Gift of Bruce Ferrini in memory of Robert P. Bergman 1999.233

Location

Description

These flasks bear the image of Saint Menas, an early martyr of the Christian Church whose shrine was in the desert southwest of Alexandria in Egypt. These flasks were probably used by pilgrims to hold oil taken from the lamp that burned over this saint's tomb. Probably manufactured near the shrine, pilgrim's flasks often bear decorations hinting at their place of origin, as is the case here.

See also
Collection: 
MED - Byzantine
Department: 
Medieval Art
Type of artwork: 
Ceramic
Medium: 
Terracotta

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