Ceramic Lamp

Object Information

KM 0000.00.7045
8.9 cm H x 8.1 cm W x 3.1 cm D
Lamp,
Ceramic, Slip,
Egyptian, Greek
Egypt,
Karanis,
Late 3rd century CE
Incised "alpha" on base of lamp.

Inscription

Incised "alpha" on base of lamp.

Description

This lamp shape is a good example of the “frog” typology, which includes representations of the hind quarters of “frogs” as decorations on the back of the rim of the lamp. The zigzag patterns that run along the sides of the lamps have been interpreted by Flinders Petrie as depictions of wheat. He also concluded that the combination of the frog and wheat motif could represent some meaning of resurrection. This lamp is made out of micaceous clay and has an “alpha” incised on the base of the lamp. Other lamp examples of the “frog” typology have been found in Memphis, Hermopolis, and Abydos. Similar examples from the Kelsey Museum’s collection include KM 0000.02.2419 and KM 0000.05.2603.

Downloads

The downloadable files are in an .STL format which is optimal for 3D printing. We suggest using a free software such as Meshmixer to edit the file to your needs. Some objects may need supports added or should be hollowed out for the most efficient printing. Any questions about 3D printing should be directed to kelsey.disko.project@umich.edu.

Download STL

Viewer Controls

Touch Controls

Orbit: swiping on mobile or click and drag with a mouse.

Panning: two-finger touch, or dragging with right-click.

Zoom:  pinching on a mobile device or the scroll wheel on a mouse.

Keyboard Controls

Orbit: Up, Down, Left and Right arrows.

Panning: Hold the Shift key and use the Up, Down, Left and Right arrows.

Zoom:  currently not implemented.

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