A Byzantine moulded terracotta oil lamp produced in the Holy Land. It features a rounded body which slightly tapers to a rounded nozzle. There is a central filling hole surrounded by raised ridges. creating a concentric circular design. The sloping shoulders are decorated with a geometric chevron design. A motif of small raised dots enclosed within a rectangle enrich the nozzle. To the rear of the lamp, there is a very small lug handle. The lamp sits upon a ring base consisting of three concentric circles. There is earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as surface pitting, chips, flaking, and scratches. Burn marks and chips around the wick-hole. The Byzantine Empire existed as a continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces, meaning that the form of these oil lamps shows strong similarities to the Roman style. Christianity was the predominant religion in the Byzantine world, and this is reflected in the decoration of the lamp, which could have been used for either domestic or ceremonial purposes. Early Holy Land lamp decoration during the Byzantine period became more abstract, featuring lines, crosses, dots, and geometric shapes. Measurements: (circa) L 8.5cm x W 6.1cm Provenance: Ex Scottish collection, 1970s. expert note: or possibly a siples version of Beit Natif type and then 1st century A.D.