---
title: Shell Lamp or Pouring Vessel
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8128/shell-lamp-or-pouring-vessel/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Shell Lamp or Pouring Vessel

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Shell Lamp or Pouring Vessel](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8128.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8128.jpg)

## Image Caption

This shell was imported from modern-day Oman and was incised and decorated. One end (the upper one) was engraved with a bird's head; the bird's eye would have been inlaid with lapis lazuli. As a lamp, this shell would have contained oil; the wick should have projected from the lower end of the shell. It might also have been used as a pourer in libation rituals. [Akkadian](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/akkadian/) to Neo-[Sumerian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sumerians/) Period, 2300-2100 BCE. From the Royal Cemetery at [Ur](https://www.worldhistory.org/ur/), Southern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), modern-day Iraq. Part of objects allotted to the British Museum from Ur excavation season 1927-1928. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2018, February 21). Shell Lamp or Pouring Vessel. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8128/shell-lamp-or-pouring-vessel/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Shell Lamp or Pouring Vessel." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 21, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8128/shell-lamp-or-pouring-vessel/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Shell Lamp or Pouring Vessel." *World History Encyclopedia*, 21 Feb 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8128/shell-lamp-or-pouring-vessel/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 21 February 2018. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.