H̱isfīn's Elephant

 

This bronze lamp resembles a marching African elephant. The chain for hanging is missing. The surface is largely covered with a shiny dark green patina. The lamp is hollow cast, the trunk serving as a funnel to pour liquids into the interior and inserting a wick. A square saddle is seen on the back. 

 

Provenance: H̱isfīne (found in 1936 in a tomb by a Syrian archaeological expedition with the collaboration of Prince Mijem ? aš-Šaʿlān of the ʿAnzā tribe). 

Substance: bronze. 

Era: 1st century CE. 
Dimensions: H 11 cm, L 20.5 cm, D 7 cm. 
Text: adapted from Weber (p. 68). 
Collection of the National Museum of Damascus.  

Thomas M. Weber. Sculptures from Roman Syria in the Syrian National Museum of Damascus. Vol I, from Cities and Villages in Central and Southern Syria. Wernersche Verlagsgesellschaft. Worms. 2006.

H̱isfīn et son éléphant