Moulded unglazed earthenware flask with depiction of St Menas and a wreath-encircled cross, from Egypt, Abu Mena (near Alexandria), late 6th-mid 7th century AD

Unglazed buff earthenware, circular in form with two flat faces and a short, tapering neck. A pair of loop handles join just below the lip and on the shoulder. The moulded decoration on one face depicts St. Menas, dressed in chalmys and tunic, in the orant pose with raised arms. He is flanked by reverential, kneeling camels and equal-armed crosses. The other face depicts a cross encircled by a wreath, in commemoration of St Menas's martyrdom.

Given by Dr W.L. Hildburgh, F.S.A.

Given to the museum by Dr W.L. Hildburgh, F.S.A., in 1926. Dr Hildburgh was a collector who had a deep, life-long interest in the use of magical and healing amulets in many cultures around the world. Hence his interest in this piece is unsurprising. He visited Egypt on his travels so it is not impossible that he actually acquired the object somewhere in the region of Alexandria. However, these ampullae are found in archaeological deposits across Europe, carried far and wide by pilgrims, hence its exact modern provenance remains unknown.

Historical significance: This ampulla is typical of those made at the monastery of Abu Menas, south of Alexandria in Egypt. Pilgrims would take home water from the miraculous spring, holy oil from the lamp hanging above the saint's shrine or dust sanctified by contact with the shrine.

Flasks such as these were used by pilgrims to Egypt, in order to bring home oil or water that they collected when visiting the pilgrimage saint for Saint Menas, at Abu Mena. Saint Menas is belived to have been a third Century Roman soldier, martyred for his Christian faith. He is typically depicted, as on this flask, with both arms raised, the traditional pose of an <i>orant</i>. He is also commonly shown flanked by a pair of camels, who as the story goes, returned his body for burial.

C.176-1926