{"product_id":"punic-terracotta-open-oil-lamp-bronze-coins-4th-2nd-century-bce","title":"Ancient Punic Terracotta Open Oil Lamp with Bronze Coins | Circa 4th–2nd Century BCE","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Context \u0026amp; Origin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e North Africa, Punic Cultural Sphere \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Wheel-Made Terracotta (Fired Clay), with Associated Bronze Coins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Punic Period, circa 4th–2nd Century BCE \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis distinctive ancient Punic terracotta oil lamp originates from the artistic and utilitarian traditions of North Africa during the 4th–2nd century BCE, a period marked by the continued influence of Carthaginian civilization throughout the western Mediterranean.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe lamp features a broad, shallow, open reservoir with a characteristic saucer-shaped profile. Fashioned from wheel-made terracotta, its circular body is distinguished by a rim folded inward along the sides and carefully pinched into a single upright nozzle at one end.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis practical design provided a convenient means of containing oil while positioning a wick at the projecting nozzle. The nozzle exhibits pronounced darkening, consistent in appearance with burning associated with the lamp's original function.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe ceramic fabric displays variations of buff and brown coloration, together with scattered earthy deposits, visible firing imperfections, and minor losses. These characteristics contribute to the vessel's distinctive archaeological appearance and reflect the surface condition of the surviving terracotta.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOf particular interest is the accompanying group of bronze coins arranged within the lamp's shallow reservoir. The coins display substantial surface patination, corrosion, and extensive wear, with their original inscriptions and identifying details no longer clearly discernible in the available photographs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough presented together, the precise chronological relationship between the lamp and the associated coins has not been established. Their inclusion provides an engaging display of ancient material culture, combining a functional ceramic vessel with examples of early bronze coinage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe artifact is further accompanied by an older French collector's label traditionally identifying the vessel as originating from archaeological excavations at Carthage and dating to the Roman period. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe combination of its distinctive open reservoir, pinched nozzle, weathered ceramic fabric, accompanying bronze coins, and historical collector's label makes this an intriguing example of ancient North African material culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional shallow, saucer-shaped open reservoir\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBroad circular body with an inward-folded rim along the sides\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSingle upright nozzle formed by pinching the terracotta rim\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePronounced darkening around the nozzle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBuff to brown ceramic fabric with natural variations in coloration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarthy surface deposits, firing imperfections, and minor losses\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAssociated group of heavily patinated bronze coins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoins exhibiting substantial wear and indistinct identifying details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccompanied by a vintage French collector's label referencing Carthage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistinctive example of Punic-period North African ceramic craftsmanship\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCultural Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Punic civilization played a significant role in the political, economic, and cultural development of the ancient Mediterranean, particularly throughout North Africa and the western Mediterranean basin.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCentred on the powerful city of Carthage, located in present-day Tunisia, Punic society developed from Phoenician colonial traditions and established extensive networks of maritime commerce, agricultural production, and cultural exchange.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBetween the 4th and 2nd centuries BCE, Carthage remained an important Mediterranean power, maintaining commercial and cultural connections with communities across North Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, the Iberian Peninsula, and the wider Mediterranean world.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTerracotta oil lamps were essential household objects within these ancient communities, providing a practical and economical source of artificial illumination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBefore enclosed mould-made lamps became increasingly widespread, open oil lamps represented an established form of lighting technology. These vessels typically consisted of a shallow reservoir designed to contain olive oil or another combustible fuel, with a pinched or projecting section of the rim supporting a wick.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir relatively straightforward construction allowed ceramic craftsmen to produce functional lighting devices using established pottery techniques.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe present example illustrates this tradition through its wheel-made construction, broad open reservoir, inward-folded sides, and single upright pinched nozzle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuch vessels reflect the practical ingenuity of ancient Mediterranean communities, combining efficient ceramic production with everyday domestic requirements.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBronze coinage also played an important role in the commercial and economic systems of the ancient Mediterranean. Punic authorities and neighbouring cultures issued bronze denominations for various monetary purposes, reflecting the increasing importance of coinage in regional exchange.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe associated bronze coins accompanying this lamp provide an additional element of historical interest, although their precise origin, issuing authority, and date remain undetermined.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe lamp survives in worn ancient condition, retaining its broad, shallow reservoir, inward-folded rim, and distinctive upright pinched nozzle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe terracotta exhibits earthy surface deposits, areas of discoloration, firing imperfections, minor losses, and age-related irregularities throughout.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePronounced darkening is visible around the nozzle, consistent in appearance with historical burning or accumulated combustion deposits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe buff to brown ceramic fabric displays uneven coloration and localized surface wear.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe associated bronze coins exhibit extensive patination, corrosion, and substantial wear. Their inscriptions and other diagnostic details are not sufficiently legible in the available photographs to establish individual identifications.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3527\" data-start=\"3515\" data-section-id=\"q6znlx\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3651\" data-start=\"3529\"\u003eWidth: 5 in\u003cbr data-end=\"3565\" data-start=\"3562\"\u003eDepth: 5 in\u003cbr data-end=\"3601\" data-start=\"3598\"\u003eHeight: 2.5 inches\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3658\" data-start=\"3653\" data-section-id=\"1mpikl\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAge (Approximate)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3701\" data-start=\"3660\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 2,125–2,425 years old\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3715\" data-start=\"3703\" data-section-id=\"1fxedb3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3772\" data-start=\"3717\"\u003eAccompanied by an old French collector's label reading:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3870\" data-start=\"3774\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"3870\" data-start=\"3774\"\u003e\"Très rare plat avec monnaies, fouilles archéologiques à Carthage. Empire Romain, Ier siècle.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3981\" data-start=\"3872\"\u003e(Translated: \"Very rare dish with coins, archaeological excavations at Carthage. Roman Empire, 1st Century.\")\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4067\" data-start=\"3983\"\u003eSubsequently held in a private collection in Montreal, QC, Canada.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"4067\" data-start=\"3983\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpert Assessment: \u003c\/strong\u003eExamined by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/pages\/independent-specialist-network\" title=\"Luca Salvaggio | Independent Specialist Network | Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLuca Salvaggio\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, an Italian archaeologist specializing in ancient Mediterranean material, with a Postgraduate Diploma from the Italian Archaeological School at Athens (IASA) and accreditation for preventive archaeology from the Italian Ministry of Culture (MiC). He identified the artifact as a Punic terracotta open oil lamp from North Africa, dating to the 4th–2nd century BCE. His assessment considered its wheel-made construction, wide shallow reservoir, inward-folded rim, single upright pinched nozzle with evidence of darkening, and buff to brown ceramic fabric exhibiting earthy deposits, firing imperfections, and minor losses. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLearn More\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover the history and function of ancient saucer-shaped oil lamps through \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Terracotta Saucer-Shaped Oil Lamp – The Metropolitan Museum of Art\" href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/art\/collection\/search\/241546\"\u003eThe Metropolitan Museum of Art\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Our \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca title=\"Explore Roman \u0026amp; Greek Artifacts at Relic \u0026amp; Rarity\" href=\"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/collections\/roman-greek-artifacts-ancient-relics\"\u003eCollection of Roman \u0026amp; Greek Artifacts\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54516231668034,"sku":null,"price":1000.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0955\/1803\/2194\/files\/Ancient-Carthaginian-Terracotta-Saucer-Shaped-6354.png?v=1791651259","url":"https:\/\/relicandrarity.com\/products\/punic-terracotta-open-oil-lamp-bronze-coins-4th-2nd-century-bce","provider":"Relic \u0026 Rarity","version":"1.0","type":"link"}