North African Roman Redware Oil Lamp with Old Testament Scene

$877.76

A Roman terracotta oil lamp from North Africa featuring a long, canal nozzle with a rounded body. The discus is decorated with a scene relating to a verse from the Old Testament, of Mosses and the Twelve Spies. Two figures can be seen, carrying between them a large cluster of grapes. A filling hole has been placed off-centre. The shoulders, acting as a decorative border for the scene, feature an entwining vine pattern. There is a lug handle to the rear of the lamp for holding.

Date: Circa 4th – 5th Century AD
Provenance: Private Israel collection, SM. Israeli export license for the collection.
Condition: Good. Some repairs to the discus and handle and general wear.

SOLD

This scene refers to the verse in the Old Testament, Book of Numbers, in which Moses sends 12 spies to Canaan. God had decreed that the Israelites would have a place to call their own, the Promised Land, which was believed to be Canaan. Moses, sending spies from each of the twelve tribes, wished to know the lay of the land, the strength of its people. Going forth, they spied for forty days. Upon returning they gave Moses their report. Ten of the twelve spies decreed that the Israelites could not take possession of the land, that the people were too strong and the cities too fortified. Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, disagreed and urged the people to fight for the Promised Land. They were not listened to and the people despaired, not trusting in their God. Those that had not believed were struck down with plague and the Israelites were forced to wander the wilderness for 40 years in penance.

The two men depicted are thus Joshua, who was to eventually lead the Israelites to the promised land, and Caleb. They are shown holding a large cluster of grapes, to testify to the goodness and fertility of the land they spied upon.

Weight 162.8 g
Dimensions L 14 x W 8.5 cm
Christian Ideology

Culture

Pottery and Porcelain

Region

Reference: For similar, see Christies December 2012 sale, New York, lot 99