Description
This bowl lamp with an eyelet was discovered in the 1990s during extensive archaeological excavations on the site of Regensburg's former Jewish quarter, now Neupfarrplatz. The clay lamp is thought to date from the 15th or early 16th century. It was found on the site of the vestibule of the synagogue, where it was probably used for lighting.
A striking feature is the unusual hole through the raised section opposite the lip, which was usually used for inserting the wick. Probably, a thread or thin strip of leather could be pulled through the eye and round the spout on the other side to allow the lamp to be suspended.
Author
Astrid Riedler-Pohlers / Andreas Boos