Pilgrim Flask

3D Model

Pilgrim Flask

Achaemenid Empire

code : jsh-p-13-1508

This lentoid (i.e., lens-shaped) ceramic vessel is made of yellowish buff clay. It has a narrow mouth, and small loop handles at the shoulder. Vessels of this shape are often called ‘pilgrim flasks’ because of their resemblance to the souvenir vessels sold at Christian pilgrimage sites around the Mediterranean, beginning in the late Roman Empire. Yet this shape existed long before the advent of Christianity, so this term is somewhat misleading. The small size and narrow mouth of this vessel certainly lend themselves to its use as personal flask for water or some other drink, much like a modern canteen.

This ancient clay flask belongs to the pottery collection of the Jondishapour Museum of Trade History.

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