Ampulla of St. Menas from Egypt in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, December 2023

Title: Ampulla (Flask) of Saint Menas

Date: 5th–6th century

Culture: Byzantine (Egypt)

Medium: Earthenware, molded

Dimensions: 4 × 2 5/8 × 7/8 in. (10.2 × 6.6 × 2.3 cm)

Classification: Terracottas

Credit Line: The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Bruce Ferrini in memory of Robert P. Bergman (1999.231)

This molded earthenware ampulla (flask) features the image of Saint Menas, his arms outstretched in
a gesture of prayer (orant). An important figure in African Christianity, Saint Menas was a Roman soldier martyred in the third or fourth century. He appears framed by two camels, which are believed to have carried his body after his death to the site of his burial. Flasks such as this were produced for pilgrims from across Africa and the Mediterranean basin who visited this site.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/854994