Ancient Roman Terracotta Oil lamp with a horse relief. c. 1st - 3rd Century AD. 13 cm L. Nice decoration.

Oil Lamp with a horse - very big on the hands - - very nice lamp form the roman times- Roman Empire, 1st - 3rd century AD. Dimensions: 13 cm Large. Condition: Intact, original state, not restored. Provenance: Found in Tunisia, prior to 1920. Private collection of Mr. Marius -Victor--Ernest DUMAS, french oficcial on the city of Sousse, Tunisia at the beginings of the 20th century. He was the most important representative of the french governament on civil questions on this province when Tunisia was a french protectorate. He was awarded a official on "mérite agricole" in 1910 and as a "chevalier" in 1903. Brought to france prior to 1920. Thence by decent to last owners, Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Eastern France. Sold in 2021 by judiciary mandate. DESCRIPTION: Ancient Roman lamps were small utensils, normally made from terracotta, which were used by the ancient Romans to provide artificial light. They were fuelled by olive oil and had from one to a dozen wicks. Some had handles so they could be moved easily from one room to another. They could also be carried by participants in ritual activities or by actors in plays. Lamps could be decorated with erotic scenes, with gladiators, mythological figures and floral motifs. They were turned out en masse using moulds rather than being hand crafted. Notes: The seller guarantees that he acquired this piece according to all national and international laws related to the ownership of cultural property. Provenance statement seen by Catawiki. The seller will take care that any necessary permits, like an export license will be arranged. With certificate of authenticity.