c. 5th - 6th Century A.D.

Composed of a slightly elongated body on a small ring base with a wide nozzle and an upturned handle. Decorated with geometric and foliate motifs.

In very good and original condition.

7.9 x 5.5 cm (3.11 x 2.1 inches)

Worldwide shipping and Certificate of Authenticity included in the price.

Export Approval from the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Bibliography:

Noam Adler, “A Comprehensive Catalog of Oil Lamps of the Holy Land from the Adler Collection”, (Old City Press: Israel, 2004).

The Samaritans, known in the Talmud as Kuthim, are an ethno-religious group of the Levant. Ancestrally, they are descended from a group of Israelite inhabitants that have connections to ancient Samaria from the beginning of the Babylonian Exile up to the beginning of the Christian Era. The Samaritans, however, derive their name not from this geographical designation, but rather from the term (šāmĕrım), "keeper [of the law]." Religiously, they are the adherents to Samaritanism, a religion based on the Torah. Samaritans claim that their worship (as opposed to mainstream Judaism) is the true religion of the ancient Israelites, predating the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.