Ivories and Ampullae

Among the first artifacts brought from the East to the West are decorated ampullae, for tranporting holy water from Jerusalem or other holy places. These ampullae are the “ancestors” of the water bottles from Lourdes distributed around the world.

Christian works of art dating back to the fourth century

The first ampullae probably date back to the earliest centuries of Christianity, even before the fourth century. As for ivories, they are small, small, finely worked tablets that are, for the time, the equivalent of our modern-day religious images. They were carried on one’s person or used to decorate a book. Ivories and ampullae are the first witnesses of the movement of Christian art from the East to the West.

Marie Agnes Mouton, Ancient Art specialist, writes about a Nativity scene on ivory tablet: "One ancient and little known testimony from Greek origin found on a 4th century sarcophagus (visible in the Lateran Museum of Christian Antiquities), evokes the concept of giving birth. The Child is lying in a wicker crib, under a derisory roof. A donkey and an ox warm the Newborn. A shepherd is nearby, holding curved stick. On the other side the Three Wise Men approach. The Blessed Virgin is seated on a rock to indicate that she has given birth without pain." (CASA info #42 - December 1993).

Monza ampulla with the effigy of the Nativity scene

Concerning ampullae, Ms. Mouton adds: “... on a Monza ampulla (c. sixth century), the Nativity scene depicts the belief that a real birth has taken place. On the right, Mary is lying on her side on a mattress; she looks exhausted and has a far-away look in her eyes. The Child is lying in the manger between the two animals, a star shines above Him. On the left, Saint Joseph, presented as a simple by-stander, is seated and looks thoughtful with his face resting on his hand.” (CASA info #42 - December 1993).