Pottery pilgrim flask (ampulla) with a flat circular shaped body, narrow neck, and two handles for suspension. Both sides are moulded with an image of St. Menas, an Egyptian soldier who was martyred during the reign of the emperor Diocletian who reigned between AD 284–305. St. Menas is standing with arms outstretched in the early Christian pose of prayer. He stands between two crouching camels that carried his body to Abu Mina for burial. Above his arms are crosses and the whole image is surrounded by a border of concentric circles.

Wellcome Historical Medical Museum no. 66560. Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 12 November 1928 Lot 225.

Pilgrim Flask | National Museums Liverpool

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Pottery pilgrim flask (ampulla) with a flat circular shaped body, narrow neck, and two handles for suspension. Both sides are moulded with an image of St. Menas, an Egyptian soldier who was martyred during the reign of the emperor Diocletian who reigned between AD 284–305. St. Menas is standing with arms outstretched in the early Christian pose of prayer. He stands between two crouching camels that carried his body to Abu Mina for burial. Above his arms are crosses and the whole image is surrounded by a border of concentric circles. Wellcome Historical Medical Museum no. 66560. Purchased at Sotheby's, London, 12 November 1928 Lot 225.

Pilgrim Flask

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