In the First Century AD, demand for molded terracotta oil lamps throughout the Roman empire led to commercialization of a large industry that for the first time competed for consumer demand by blending form and fashion...an important milestone in the evolution of lighting and commerce. Archaeologists reported yesterday that have now pinpointed the factory responsible for making the "Gucci" and "Armani" of ancient oil lamps.
Oil lamps had been used in antiquity for hundreds of years before Christ. But during the early years of the Roman Empire, one workshopp in Italy began manufacturing a large volume of lamps decorated with superb and innovative images of gladiators, animals, gods, goddesses and even elaborate important events. More importantly, some of these lamps were "signed" on the bottom with a Latin name that became synonymous with the factories where they were made as they were exported to Roman consumers on three continents. One of the trendiest of these early lamps was the name FORTIS, and others included STOBILI, COMMUNIS, PHOETASPI, EUCARPI. Until now the ancient location of these workshops was unknown.
So posh were some of these brands, that they were later copied by workshops in other locations, perhaps illustrating one of the earliest examples of consumer brand piracy!
Construction on a residential complex near the ancient walls of the city of Modena (also famous for its aged balsamic vinegar, Ferrari and the birthplace of Pavarotti) in central-northern Italy has uncovered a large dumping ground which they say confirms for the first time the location of the most famous early lamp workshops in Modena (known as Mutina in ancient times). While this has been suspected, this is the first physical evidence that a large cluster of lamp workshops existed in the area. That the dump was found near the walls is significant as it is believed that the kilns were outside the ancient walls to prevent fire breaking out in the city.
Ancient Roman lamps are among the most affordable and portable antiquities sought by collectors today. Most lamps fit in the palm of an adult hand and can cost as little as a hundred dollars. One very interesting facet of ancient lamps is how they evolve to reflect the events of this important period of Western civilization. First Century Roman lamps tend to have beautiful yet austere decorative motifs reflecting Julio-Claudian taste and are highly desired; certain Second Century lamps can get more elaborate and interesting mirroring the increased complexity and diversity of the Roman empire. During this same period, lamps made in Palestine mirrored Jewish cultural and decorative traditions. Roman lamps continue to evolve even into the Fourth and Fifth Centuries as secular images are replaced by those with significance to the early Christian community as religion spreads.
Some useful reference books on ancient lamps and motifs include:
Students are working on the Red Scarf Farm
Posted by: Supra shoes | November 06, 2010 at 01:42 AM