Beit Nattif Lamps and Imitations, Syria Palestina, 3rd - 5th Century A.D.

By Joseph Sermarini

The Beit Nattif Lamp, dated to the Late Roman-Early Byzantine periods (3rd � 5th centuries CE.), is named after its type site and initial discovery at Beit Nattif (Baramki 1936). Oil lamp production during this Late Roman - Early Byzantine period in Syria-Palaestina was dominated by a number of regional workshops. While many of these workshops remain elusive, the Beit Nattif lamp is known from the discovery of a production site in the village of Beit Nattif, located in the Judean Shephelah. Since their initial characterization, study of Beit Nattif lamps has largely focused on their decorative motifs and iconography. Based on their unique style, it was long believed that the Beit Nattif lamps were all made in a single workshop. This has been dispelled by the discovery of an additional lamp workshop which produced Beit Nattif lamps, located at Khirbat Shumeila (Storchan 2017a and 2017b), north of Beit Nattif. Adler writes that Beit Nattif lamps were imitated throughout Israel and later imitations of these lamps continue until the 6th century CE.

The Beit Nattif lamps, are usually small, characterized by their detailed relatively high-relief ornamentation which usually leaves no space on top unfilled by ornament, and a small pyramid-shaped handle. The lamps are and decorated with a large variety of designs and emblems. Some of the lamps have a red slip. Beit Nattif lamps have been categorized by V. Sussman into six basic types differentiated by shape, style and decorative affinities (Sussman 1985-6). In a more recent publication, the Late Roman lamps of the Judean Shephelah were categorized into eight types (Sussman 2017: LR 1-8) which placed the Beit Nattif lamps within a wider geographic and temporal context. Steve Adler identifies five Beit Nattif Lamp types (BN.1 - BN.5), and two types of later imitations (BN.6 & BN.7).

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References

Adler, N. Oil Lamps of the Holy Land from the Adler Collection. (Israel, 2004).
Adler, S. Adler Collection Website - http://www.steve-adler.com/OilLampsMain.htm
Baramki D. "Two Roman Cisterns at Beit Nattif" in QDAP V (1936), pp. 3 - 10, 2 figs., pls. II - XII. Available Online
Elgavish, J. The Art of Lamps in Israel in the Roman and Byzantine Periods. (Jerusalem, 1962).
Hadad S. "Oil Lamps from the Third to the Eighth Century C.E. at Scythopolis�Bet Shean" in Dumbarton Oaks Papers 51 (1997), pp. 147 - 188. Available Online
Hadad S. The Oil Lamps from the Hebrew University Excavations at Bet Shean. Qedem 4. (Jerusalem, 2002). Available Online
Israeli, Y. & U. Avida. Oil-Lamps from Eretz Israel - the Louis and Carmen Warschaw collection at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. (Jerusalem, 1988).
Nagorsky, A. "The Oil Lamps from Bet She�an (Youth Hostel)" in Atiqot 77 (2014), pp. 1 - 21. Available Online
Rosenthal, R. & R. Sivan. Ancient Lamps in the Schloessinger Collection, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Qedem 8. (Jerusalem, 1978).
Storchan, B. "Bet Shemesh, Ramat Bet Shemesh, Khirbat Shumeila" in HA-ESI 129 (2017). Available Online
Storchan, B. "The Discovery of an Additional Beit Nattif Lamp Workshop" in Y. Zelinger & N. Frankel (eds). Studies on the Land of Judea (Jerusalem, 2017), pp. 71 - 79. Available Online
Storchan, J. Beit Nattif Lamps and Moulds and their Implications Regarding Lamp Production in Eretz-Israel during the Late Roman Period. (Ramat-Gan, Israel, 2019). Available Online
Sussman, V. "Ornamented Figures on "Beit Nattif" Type Oil Lamps from Northern and Southern Workshops" in Israel - People and Land 2-3 (1985-6), pp. 63 - 86.
Sussman, V. Late Roman to Late Byzantine/Early Islamic Period Lamps in the Holy Land: The Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority. (Oxford, 2017).

Beit Nattif Piriform Lamps with Large Filling Hole (Sussman LR2, Adler BN.1), c. 270 - 400 CE. � Piriform (pear-shaped) with large filling hole. The nozzle is slightly pinched and usually separated from the body by a band, usually a rope band. The shoulders are decorated with a band or repetitive motif, such as leaves, circles or small branches. The handle is usually pyramid shaped, with triangles or small lines decorating it. The vast majority of these lamps are coated with red slip (sometimes light brown) on the upper surface only and often show drip trails of slip on the lower surface. The most common of all Beit Nattif lamps and the majority of the Beit Nattif cistern finds. Sussman Late LR2, 1152 - 1242; Adler BN.1, pp. 81 - 86, 476 - 513; Qedem 8 pp. 99 - 104, 406 - 418; Warschaw pp. 128 - 132, 368 - 380, Storchan fig. 9, 6; Elgavish 28.

Sussman, V. Late Roman to Late Byzantine/Early Islamic Period Lamps in the Holy Land: The Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority. (Oxford, 2017), fig. 5, 1.

Beit Nattif Piriform Lamps with Decorated Discuss (Sussman LR1, Adler -), 270 - 350 CE. - Circular body, decorated flat central discuss pierced by a small fill hole, short rounded nozzle, pyramid-shaped non-functional handle, decorated shoulder. No slip. Central discus decorations include a human form (mask or gladiator), bird (mostly peacocks), floral motif or geometric design (swastika, medallion, other). Shoulder designs include repeating patterns such as a band of hatching, wreath, or lace. Each lamp usually includes two distinct repeating patterns: one on the nozzle half and a different pattern on the handle half. The two patterns are often separated by stylized double-axes, pyramids, or medallions or in some cases, the patterns meet directly. This type is rare and known only from Beit Nattif. Sussman Late LR1, 1082 - 1146; Qedem 8 pp. 103 -104, 419 - 422; Adler -.

Storchan, B. "Bet Shemesh, Ramat Bet Shemesh, Khirbat Shumeila" in HA-ESI 129 (2017), fig. 9, 1.

Beit Nattif Lamps with Decorated Discuss and Bow Rim Nozzle (Sussman LR3, Adler -), 270 - 450 CE. Circular disc-lamps with arched wide nozzle flanked by volutes Bow-rim nozzle: Bow-rim nozzle fashioned by �volute - like arches decorating the sides, imitating Roman volute disc lamps". The nozzles of the Type 2 lamps are decorated with an elaborate necklace formed by reliefs of 17 arched lines and dots. Another notable difference is that this lamp type features arched rims creating a sunken discus. Sussman Late LR3, 1245 - 1256

Storchan, B. "Bet Shemesh, Ramat Bet Shemesh, Khirbat Shumeila" in HA-ESI 129 (2017), fig. 9, 2.

Beit Nattif Lamps with Large Filling Hole and Narrow Bow Rim Nozzle (Adler BN.2, Sussman LR4), c. 250 � 400 CE. - Circular lamps with inner flange, wide filling hole, and arched wide nozzle flanked by volutes (and variants), These lamps have an elegant shape with a well proportioned bow shaped nozzle, which has a narrow ridge around its� edge. The nozzle is pinched on its sides, giving the effect of volutes and is decorated. The body is round and the shoulders are curved and decorated with a variety of geometric and floral designs. The large filling hole is surrounded by a wide rim. Specimens from the Beit Nattif workshop are usually made with buff clay, and have a brown, reddish brown, or purplish slip. Adler type BN.2, pp. 86 - 89, 514 - 531; Sussman Late LR4, 1257 - 1269; Qedem 8 pp. 104 - 106, 423 - 429; Warschaw pp. 119 - 125, 331 - 360.

Storchan, B. "Bet Shemesh, Ramat Bet Shemesh, Khirbat Shumeila" in HA-ESI 129 (2017), fig. 9, 3.

Variety Loop Handle (Adler BN.2, Sussman LR6), c. 250 � 400 CE. - The shape of the lamp is the same as above but the lamps but have a loop handle. Adler type BN.3 p. 88, 525, 529; Qedem 8 p. 107, 436; Sussman Late type LR6, 1388 - 1391.

Beit Nattif Lamps with Large Filling Hole and Wide Bow Rim Nozzle (Adler BN.3, Sussman LR5), 300 � 500 CE. � Similar to the early type except the nozzle, is wider and often poorly shaped and the handle varies in shape and is often crude and carelessly shaped. The quality of the clay is poorer, the decorations and handle are cruder than the early types. Lamps from Pella are unslipped, and with soft clay that tends to flake. Sussman Late LR5, 1273 - 1387; Adler type BN.3, pp. 89 - 92, 532 - 558; Qedem 8 pp. 104 - 106, 423 - 429; Warschaw p. 132, 381 - 386

Sussman, V. Late Roman to Late Byzantine/Early Islamic Period Lamps in the Holy Land: The Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority. (Oxford, 2017), fig. 24, 9.

Variety Loop Handle (Adler BN.3, Sussman LR6), c. 300 � 500 CE. - The shape of the lamp is the same as above but the lamps but have a loop handle. Adler type BN.3 p. 88, 525, 529; Sussman Late type LR6, -.

Miniature Beit Nattif Lamps (Adler BN.4, Sussman -), c. 300 - 500 CE - This type is rare and no parallels are known. The shape of the lamp is the same as type BN.1, but the lamps are very small 4.8cm long and have a loop handle. They may have been used as a game or votive lamps. Known to Adler from only three identical lamps which were found together. Adler BN.4, p. 92, 559.

Beit Nattif Polilychnoi Lamps, c. 250 - 400 CE - Similar to type bow shaped nozzle types, but the nozzle has two or more wick holes. The nozzles of these lamps most often attached to the main body of the lamp as a single unit aligned in a straight line. These lamps are hand shaped but attempt to stylize a round body with a slight tapering of the nozzle waist. Many lamps of this type feature a small loop handle in the rear. The decorative elements retain many of the motifs (vegetal and geometric) depicted on the other Beit Nattif lamp types. The large size of these lamps allow the lamp maker ample space to boast his craft and are often ornately decorated. The bases of these lamps are often decorated in a style imitating metalwork. Adler type BN.4, p. 93, 561 - 563; Qedem 8 pp. 108 - 110, 442 - 447; Warschaw pp. 124 - 127, 357, 361, 364 - 367; Sussman Late type LR7, Hadad 2002 type 17, p. 34, 112 (Beit She'an)

Storchan, B. "Bet Shemesh, Ramat Bet Shemesh, Khirbat Shumeila" in HA-ESI 129 (2017), fig. 9, 4.

Beit Nattif Lamps With Multiple Nozzles, c. 250 - 420 CE. Large lamps with two separate nozzles. Adler type BN.4, p. 93, 564 - 565; Sussman Late type LR7

Beit Nattif Imitative Lamps

A Work in Progress...

References

Adler, N. Oil Lamps of the Holy Land from the Adler Collection. (Israel, 2004).
Adler, S. Adler Collection Website - http://www.steve-adler.com/OilLampsMain.htm
Hadad S. "Oil Lamps from the Third to the Eighth Century C.E. at Scythopolis�Bet Shean" in Dumbarton Oaks Papers 51 (1997), pp. 147 - 188. Available Online
Hadad S. The Oil Lamps from the Hebrew University Excavations at Bet Shean. Qedem 4. (Jerusalem, 2002), pp. 26, 30 - 35, type 17, 74 - 113. Available Online
Israeli, Y. & U. Avida. Oil-Lamps from Eretz Israel - the Louis and Carmen Warschaw collection at the Israel Museum, Jerusalem. (Jerusalem, 1988).
Nagorsky, A. "The Oil Lamps from Bet She�an (Youth Hostel)" in Atiqot 77 (2014), pp. 1 - 21, fig. 3. Available Online
Rosenthal, R. & R. Sivan. Ancient Lamps in the Schloessinger Collection, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Qedem 8. (Jerusalem, 1978).
Sussman, V. "Ornamented Figures on "Beit Nattif" Type Oil Lamps from Northern and Southern Workshops" in Israel - People and Land 2-3 (1985-6), pp. 63 - 86.
Sussman, V. Late Roman to Late Byzantine/Early Islamic Period Lamps in the Holy Land: The Collection of the Israel Antiquities Authority. (Oxford, 2017).

Early Imitative Beit Nattif Lamps, c. 400 - 700 CE - These lamps are similar to the late bow shaped nozzle lamps with some variations. They are usually larger, more elongated, the nozzle is not rounded but slightly concave and in most cases have straight decorated sides. The decorations are similar to the bow shaped nozzle lamps and include amphorae, grape vines and geometric designs. The shoulders are narrow and decorated with a linear pattern or wreath band. All lamps have a rectangular or tongue shaped knob handle, sometimes decorated with a palm branch or lines. Adler type BN.6, pp. 153 - 154, 952 - 954; Qedem 8 pp. 106 - 107, 430 - 439; Sussman Late 3066 - 3078; Warschaw p. 133, 388.

Late Imitative Beit Nattif Lamps, c. 600 - 700 CE - These lamps still have some features of the Beit Natif lamps, but also resemble the later sixth and seventh cent. CE lamps. The nozzle is still slightly concave, lower than the early type and ends in almost a straight line. The decorations on the nozzle continue the tradition of the Beit Natif lamps. The shoulders are narrow and are decorated with a linear band, ovolo band or floral designs. The filling hole is large and surrounded by several rims. The handle is a small conical knob. The lamps are found in the northern part of Israel and Transjordan. Adler type BN.7, pp. 160 - 166, 960 - 966; Qedem 8 p. 109, 442 - 447.

Northern (Bet She'an) Beit Nattif Imitative Lamps, c. 300 - 600 CE - This type was not found at Beit Nattif, but the Beit Nattif lamp style was so popular that it was imitated during the 4th � 5th centuries CE by workshops near Bet She�an. These lamps have a pear shaped body and voluted nozzles, and no slip. Most specimens have small pyramidal handles. Tongue shaped handles with a palmette, loop handles, and multiple wick hole varieties exist. They are mostly found in the Decapolis region, best known from the area of Bet She�an. The The northern attribution to this type has been concluded by a number of researchers (Rosenthal and Sivan 1978)