Lot 924
Roman Redware Lamp with "Chi-Rho" Christian Symbol and Rooster. Roman North Africa, Egypt or Carthage, c. 3rd-4th Century. Lamp with ovoid body and shorter nozzle, connecting to discus by trough. Motif: Rooster stands right, on small globular object; floral arabesques forming border. On the base, the maker's mark, a Chi-Rho, indicating the manufacturer was Christian. Finely preserved, with light soot stains. Length: 5-3/8". Interesting.
Estimated Value $375 - 475.
Early Christian symbolism is ambivalent toward the rooster. Because of the Gospel story in which the rooster crowed three times after Peter betrayed Jesus, the animal is usually considered a symbol of infidelity, especially in times of persecution. On the other hand, the rooster can represent the positive attribute of watchfulness or vigilance since it rises early in the morning.
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