Pottery, vessel, lamp

This lamp is decorated with the figure of Anubis. It is one of eight lamps found in a cremation burial at Great Dover Street, Southwark. A rectangular pit was found containing the cremation of an adult female, burnt food remains, and a group of fine ceramic vessels and lamps. All the lamps were made in Central Gaul and none appear to have been used. Four were ‘picture lamps’ and the subjects indicate they were deliberately chosen. One shows a fallen gladiator and the other three the jackal-headed Egyptian god, Anubis. He controlled entry into the Underworld and also guided souls on their journey there, but is a rare subject in Britain.
Ceramic picture lamp; incomplete. Rounded nozzle with volutes with moulded terminals; air-hole in nozzle; discus with concentric raised ribs and filling-hole; decorated with Anubis facing left, with jackal’s head, holding a sceptre; flat base with circular groove. Central Gaulish colour-coated ware (white fabric) (CGWH).