Christian oil lamp depicting a monogrammatic cross, Type Bussière E IX 31 - Atlante X A1 a

ITEM: Oil lamp depicting a monogrammatic cross, Type Bussière E IX 31 - Atlante X A1 a
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Christian
PERIOD: 5th - 7th Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 46 mm x 76 mm x 125 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex French private collection, acquired before 2000s
PARALLEL: ENNABLI, A., Lampes chrétiennes de Tunisie (musées du Bardo et de Carthage), Pl. XV, Fig. 1025

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 Christian oil lamp with a monogrammatic cross is a significant artifact from the early Christian period, typically dating from the 3rd to 5th centuries CE. These lamps were used for both practical and symbolic purposes, providing light in homes, churches, and tombs. The oil lamps were usually made of terracotta, clay, or sometimes metal, and their design often incorporated Christian symbols, including the monogrammatic cross, which was a representation of Christ. The monogram, typically formed by overlapping the Greek letters "XP" (for "Christos"), was a popular Christian symbol during the late Roman Empire and early Christian period, signifying both the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ.

The monogrammatic cross on these oil lamps was more than just decorative; it had deep religious significance. Early Christians, who often faced persecution, used subtle symbols such as this cross to identify each other and to convey their faith without drawing unwanted attention. The monogram itself became a powerful and widely recognized symbol of Christ, sometimes also combined with other Christian motifs like the fish (Ichthys) or the Good Shepherd. The presence of these symbols on everyday objects like oil lamps reflects how Christianity was integrated into daily life, even in times when the faith was not officially recognized by the Roman Empire.

These lamps were often found in Christian burial sites, where they were used not only for practical purposes but also to symbolize the eternal light of Christ and the promise of resurrection. Many early Christian tombs featured oil lamps as offerings to illuminate the path to the afterlife. In addition to their liturgical and funerary roles, they were used during worship services, especially in house churches, where lighting and symbols of faith were crucial for creating a sacred atmosphere.