MEDIEVAL AMPULLA

1100

Incomplete lead alloy medieval ampulla. The remaining portion of this ampulla or flask is subcircular in plan, in that it has lost its rectangular neck section. Where the neck has broken off, the exposed edges have been pinched together. The damaged edges are worn smooth, suggesting damage occurred in antiquity. At the point where the neck of the flask has broken away is an irregular lug to either side that are the remains of two loops that would have allowed the item to be suspended on a cord. The surfaces of the ampulla are fairly worn but it is possible to make out faint designs. On the obverse side is a moulded flower or pin wheel, whilst on the reverse is a moulded Fleur de lis. The surfaces are abraded and the patina is creamy white. The remaining length is 28.12mm, it is 30.3mm wide, 5.74mm thick and weighs 17.78g. It dates to between the late 12th and fifteenth century. Examples of ampullae can be seen in Spencer, 1990, Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum Medieval Catalogue part 2. An ampulla is a miniature flask or phial that carried holy water dispensed to pilgrims at shrines and holy wells, and are basically a pilgrim souvenir. They could be suspended and worn around the pilgrim’s neck, or hung up in houses and barns. The water within them may have been in contact with a relic associated with different Saints, and the designs on the ampullas often reflected the figure or relic they were associated with. Many have the design of a scallop shell, which is the badge of St James of Compostela, which also became the badge of pilgrimage itself.