Satyr oil lamp from the show mine Sunnpau
3. century A.D., place of discovery St. Vitus mine
This oil lamp probably shows the image of a satyr and was possibly used in a mithraeum in the 300 century AD. The oil lamp was found in the Bronze Age part of the Sunnpau show mine in St.Veit im Pongau in 2009 by employees. Although there are no signs of Roman mining activity on site, the lamp and Roman wagon tracks in front of the mine suggest that the artificial cave was used in antiquity.
The original can be seen in the Seelackenmuseum St. Veit.
- Dimensions: approx. 15.5cm x 9cm
- incl. cotton wick
Even in ancient times people appreciated round lamps with plastic representation. There were numerous motives and forms of lamps. However, this lamp with the image of the youthful satyr is something very special!
Of course, due to its unusual shape and depiction, the Roman oil lamp is a great gift for any Roman fan of antique ceramics!
Roman light sources
Oil lamps, by the way, were ubiquitous sources of light in ancient Rome. Olive oil was cheap to get in ancient times and so most lamps were filled with this raw material and burned. Occasionally candles or kienspahn were also used. Nowadays we also recommend to use the natural fuels instead of the commercial lamp oil . The decorative oil lamps made of clay were found in every Roman household in larger numbers. And by the way, they also give a wonderful warm light in the garden or on the terrace!
All oil lamps on these pages of the Roman store under the category pottery and ceramics and the category Roman oil lamps, are made in the traditional way from two-piece molds and fired very high. After drying, the picture lamps are usually covered with an engobe, an ancient clay slip, which gives the lamp its wonderful red tone. The high firing temperature ensures that the lamps are generally tight. The inside of the lamp is glazed to protect it from heat. However, it is quite possible for oil to be drawn out over the "lamp nose" and run down the lamp. To be on the safe side, a heat-resistant coaster should be placed under the oil lamp.
Do not leave a burning oil lamp unattended.
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