Lamp

Low fired lamp; probably a Dressel Type 30 (Provost Type 4) which were common in Rome. They were made in Rome and elsewhere (Hayes). Lamps were wheel made until demand increased, then 2 part moulded ones became more common. The availability of plaster for making moulds may have been a factor in this change. Moulds originated in Greece and Egypt in the 3rd century B.C.E., by the 7th to 8th centuries C.E. They were common in all areas of the Mediterranean. Since identical lamps are found over a wide area, the moulds were probably traded between manufacturers. Variation in lamps was caused by long term use of the mould, pattern modification before firing and switching of top and bottom moulds.

Purchased at the American Colony of Jerusalem Ltd. in Jerusalem.

lighting

Lamp with a deep, rounded body, a rounded, protruding handle, a short nozzle with a larger filling hole and a slightly smaller wick hole. Inscribed in pencil on the underside of the base.