A very good quality medieval period lead holy water ampulla.
This item which dates to circa 14th -15th century AD, is in excellent allover condition.
It shows the traditional scallop shell design to the front face which is the sign associated with pilgrimage...The reverse shows a shield shaped armourial...
Both of the handles are still present for which a simple cord would have been attached an hung around the owners neck.
These pieces were purchased by pilgrims when they arrived at the shrines such as Canterbury and walsingham on pilgrimage..
They were filled with holy water and then blessed by the monks and friars..
On the way home and after walking for many days they often stopped at farms to ask for food and water, which was often paid for by piercing these ampullas and placing in the farmers fields where the holy water would seep out, thus blessing the crops for the forthcoming year...
A tremendous item with a true story to tell....wonderful condition.
Lincolnshire excavations in 1974.
Size 5.8 CM in Length.
As with all of my antiquities and coins this item comes complete with a display box together with a certificate of authenticity.
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