Roman, Provincia Syria-Palaestina, c. 300 – 400 C.E.
Small terracotta lamp, the surface relatively flat. The center has a fluted extension with a smaller spout hole at the end. A a concentric circle design decorates the center, surrounding a large central hole. This design then ends in a small cross just above the spout. This design could mimic the astrological symbol for Venus (♀), though there is little evidence to support this; however, precedent exists for early Christians concealing depictions of the cross in such manners, possible credence lent to this by the flaring ends of the cross below the central ring. The lamp has a raised base with no design, save for a small raised line directly beneath the handle for stability.
Currently on display in the Mandel Center for the Humanities.