Lucerne; late Roman period, 5th century A.D.

Lucerne; late Roman period, 5th century AD.
Terracotta.
Measurements: 5 x 12 x 7 cm.
Lucerne with pinched handle made in ceramic mold, with the representation of a chrism on the top, in relief.
The word "lucerna" comes from the Greek "lukno". Its basic function was to provide light, but it was also used as a votive and funerary element. The first skylights were made by hand, then by lathe, and from the 3rd century B.C. by mold. The mold consisted of two dies, one for the upper part and one for the lower part. The mold manufacturing technique consisted of pressing the clay into the dies and then joining the two parts together. Finally, the handle was added.