Roman oil lamp, Type Bussière C V 2

ITEM: Oil lamp, Type Bussière C V 2
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 2nd - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 45 mm x 70 mm x 118 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

A Roman oil lamp was a common and essential household item in ancient Rome, used primarily for illumination. These lamps were typically made from clay, though some were crafted from bronze, terracotta, or stone. They were often small, portable, and designed to hold a small amount of olive oil as fuel, with a wick inserted into a spout to produce light. The design of Roman oil lamps evolved over time, but they generally had a bowl-like shape with a flat base and a single or multiple nozzles from which the wick would protrude. These lamps were used to provide light in homes, baths, and public spaces, making them indispensable in daily life.

Roman oil lamps were not only functional but also highly decorative. Many lamps were adorned with mythological themes, religious symbols, or everyday scenes, reflecting the culture and values of the Roman people. Gods and goddesses, such as Apollo, Venus, and Bacchus, were common motifs on the lamps, as were images of animals, athletic competitions, and floral patterns. These decorative elements not only made the lamps attractive but also served to reinforce the religious and social identity of the owner. Wealthier individuals might have lamps made from more expensive materials, while simpler designs were more common among the general populace.

The use of oil lamps in the Roman world also had significant cultural and symbolic meaning. They were associated with rituals and religion, often used in temples to light altars or in ceremonial settings to honor the gods. In addition, the oil lamp was sometimes used as a symbol of life and knowledge, representing the enduring flame of wisdom. Archaeologically, Roman oil lamps are valuable for understanding daily life, as they were widespread throughout the empire, from humble homes to elite villas. Their presence in tombs also suggests they were considered an important part of the funerary practices, symbolizing the transition from life to the afterlife.