Pilgrim Bottle Fragment

Art Historical Context

This delicate fragment from a pilgrim bottle offers a glimpse into early medieval in the Iberian Peninsula. Dating to the 9th century (?), hails from Visigothic culture (?), period when the Visig ruled much of Spain and Portugal before the Islamic conquest Pilgrim bottles like this were vessels carried by travelers and pilgrims, to hold holy water or during journeys to sacred sites. Though only a small shard survivesmeasuring just 2 1/2 x 2 15/16 x /16 inches—it evokes the mobility and devotion of the era. Crafted from earthenware with a glaze, this piece highlights an important advancement i...