Ancient Egyptian oil lamp from Hierakleopolis dated 30 BC – AD 395

Pottery oil lamp, in cream or yellow, possibly marl clay. Pear shaped, with round reservoir and integral spout. Central hole in reservoir and another hole at the tip of the apex of the pear shape. Impressed decoration around the reservoir’s central hole, of four equidistant raised bosses of varying sizes. They are each surrounded by a circular depression, as is the central hole. Semi circular depression around the inside of the apex hole. Straight impressed line on base, probably from manufacture. Blackened around spout hole. On the base is written in modern ink EEF 1904 and F.

Ancient Egyptian oil lamp from Hierakleopolis dated 30 BC – AD 395

Object details

  • Reference: BOLMG:1904.48.49
  • Material: pottery
  • Period: Roman Period
  • Excavator: W.M.F. Petrie
  • Dated: 30 BC - AD 395
  • Object name: oil lamp
  • Dimensions: Length: 83mm , Width: 74mm , Depth: 36mm
  • Published references: Petrie W M F Ehnasya 1904 1905 p 26 - 27
  • Site: Heracleopolis
  • Latitude: 29.085556
  • Longitude: 30.934444