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Terra sigillata wares were the classic fine wares
of the Roman period. The roots of the industry go
back to Italy during the 1st Century B.C. Building
on the foundations of a pre-existing industry
dedicated to black-slipped ware, the glossy red-
slipped terra sigillata wares were first produced
at Arezzo, in northern Tuscany. The industry
expanded, and factories producing Italian-type
sigillata were founded across the Mediterranean
world, notably southern France and northern
Spain. By the 3rd-4th Century A.D., the center of
terra sigillata production had shifted south, to
the shores of Roman North Africa. From the great
port of Carthage, these wares were exported
throughout the Mediterranean world and
representative examples have been found from
Israel to England. Characterized by a red-orange
to red- brown clay and a slip of a more refined
version of the same clay, these glossy household
vessels were decorated by relief figures and
stamped designs.
This type of lamp is closely related to the
production of African terra sigillata ware. Yet
their exact origin is unknown, while some
suggest Tunisia, others have indicated either
Egypt or Cyrenaica. A lamp such as this might
have lit homes when the Roman Empire ruled the
world. A metaphor of joy and prosperity, for
hope, for life itself, lamps have illuminated the
path of civilization for centuries. They have
guided great thoughts through the night, stood
vigil with lonely passions. In the presence of this
simple object, we are in touch directly with a
vanished world, with the people once warmed by
its glow. Today it remains as an enduring symbol
of man's desire to conquer the darkness.
- (AM.0414)
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