Ampulla costrel type

Ampulla (small bottle for holy water) in the shape of a costrel (container for liquid, usually made from leather or sometimes ceramic). There are two lug handles at the base of the neck. The ampulla is decorated with three shields on the front and back. 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.

This ampulla was found in the wreck of a barge excavated in the Thames at Blackfriars. A mould for casting this type of ampulla is also in the Museum’s collection (see 11053).