Saxon & Medieval — Late Medieval; early 14th century
Ampulla; pear-shaped
Pear-shaped ampulla from an unknown shrine. One side is flattened and decorated with cross-hatching. There are small vertical grooves around the neck. Ampullae were used to contain water that been associated with saintly relics – sometimes relics were dipped into the water to transfer some of their power. This water was thought to have powerful properties such as the ability to cure diseases and so ampullae were popular pilgrim souvenirs. Ampullae could be worn on string round the neck or hung up at home to be used when needed.
- Category:
- Saxon & Medieval
- Object ID:
- A20811
- Object name:
- Ampulla; pear-shaped
- Object type:
- Artist/Maker:
- —
- Related people:
- Related events:
- Related places:
- Production date:
- Late Medieval; early 14th century
- Material:
lead alloy
- Measurements/duration:
- H 40 mm, W 41 mm, D 17 mm (overall)
- Part of:
- —
- On display:
- —
- Record quality:
- 100%
- Part of this object:
- —
- Owner Status & Credit:
Permanent collection
- Copyright holder:
digital image © London Museum
- Image credit:
- —
- Creative commons usage:
- —
- License this image:
To license this image for commercial use, please contact the London Museum Picture Library.