A pair of ceramic souvenir pilgrim flasks, Coptic Egypt, c. AD 480 - 650, the first depicting Saint Menas on one side, flanked by camels, his arms outstretched in blessing. Above each arm is a quincunx, representing a cross; all within a beaded circular border, the opposite side a male head in profile within beaded borders. H: 4 3/8 in (11.2 cm). The second depicts Saint Menas on horseback riding right, arms outstretched, a palm frond before. On the opposite side, within a double raised border is the word 'blessing' EV? / O?IA in two parts divided by two raised lines. H: 3 3/4 in (9.5 cm). Both are nice examples of different types! Cf. Bailey, Ptolemaic and Roman Terracottas from Egypt, pp. 115-124 and Pl. 74-88 for the type which come in several designs centered around a basic form.

The small flasks were probably produced at the pilgrimage center of Abu Mena, south-west of Alexandria, to sell to the devout as a souvenir of a visit. They have been deduced to have contained holy water or oil from the shrine. Ex Stanley Lowell collection; Ex collection of Walter J. Dilling, acquired in the early 1900's.

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