Artwork Page for Pilgrim's Flask with Saint Menas

Details / Information for Pilgrim's Flask with Saint Menas

Pilgrim's Flask with Saint Menas

400–600

Egypt, Coptic period

Medium
terracotta
Measurements
Overall: 6.7 x 7.2 cm (2 5/8 x 2 13/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Bruce Ferrini in memory of Robert P. Bergman 1999.233
Public Domain
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Location
105 Byzantine
Print

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.
A light tan terracotta pilgrim's flask features a circular, disc-like body with a broken neck and a single curved handle on the right. A central relief medallion depicts Saint Menas facing us with arms outstretched. Two small crosses float above his hands, while two camels crouch at his feet. The weathered surface is pitted and grainy, the central scene contained within a raised circular border.

Pilgrim's Flask with Saint Menas

400–600

Egypt, Coptic period

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