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.
Yesterday, I enjoyed a preview of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s new exhibit, Africa and Byzantium, which will be on display from April 14 through July 21, 2024. Afterwards, I attended a curator lecture which pulled the artifacts in the exhibit together thematically. Many of the items in the display were absolutely stunning to see. I am always impressed by the quality of the exhibits which the CMA is able to display for its patrons. If you have the opportunity, and did not see this exhibit when it was at the MMA, do see it now. Link to information from the CMA is below.
Northcoast Antiquarian 