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Artwork Page for Pilgrim's Flask with Saint Menas

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Pilgrim's Flask with Saint Menas

400–600 CE
(Egypt)
terracotta
Overall: 10 x 6.4 cm (3 15/16 x 2 1/2 in.)
Gift of Bruce Ferrini in memory of Robert P. Bergman 1999.231
Location: 105 Byzantine
Public Domain
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Description

These flasks bear the image of Saint Menas, an early martyr of the Christian Church whose shrine was in the desert southwest of Alexandria in Egypt. These flasks were probably used by pilgrims to hold oil taken from the lamp that burned over this saint's tomb. Probably manufactured near the shrine, pilgrim's flasks often bear decorations hinting at their place of origin, as is the case here.

Pilgrim's Flask with Saint Menas

400–600 CE

Byzantine Empire, Abu Mena (Egypt)

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