Coptic terracotta Saint Menas souvenir pilgrim's flask

A Coptic terracotta souvenir pilgrim's flask for Saint Menas, Egypt, c. AD 480 - 650, depicting Saint Menas on one side, flanked by camels, his arms outstretched in blessing. Above each arm is a quincunx, representing a cross; all within a beaded circular border. 3 1/4 x 2 5/8 in(8.3 x 6.7 cm). Cf. Bailey, Ptolemaic and Roman Terracottas from Egypt, p. 118, no 3415. These small flasks were produced at the pilgrimage center of Abu Mena, south-west of Alexandria, to sell to the devout as a souvenir of a visit. They have been deduced to have contained holy water or oil from the shrine. Ex collection of John J. Slocum, Rhode Island.

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