2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D. A terracotta oil lamp formed as a male bust with stern expression, the handle formed with a foliage crest, oval nozzle; circular filling hole to the crown of the head. See Djuric, S., Ancient Lamps from Mediterranean, Toronto, 1995, no.NA-76, for the type. 53 grams, 11.3 cm wide (4 1/2 in.). Found Rome, Italy, before 1859. From a 19th century collection and latterly in a London collection. Accompanied by a small original handwritten card: 'Lico. Brought Rome by AFB. 1858.' 'Plastic' lamps with figurines first appear in the Hellenistic period, possibly originating in Athens. Found in all parts of the Mediterranean basin, they were particularly popular during the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D. Some of them, depicting satyrs or Silenus, have handles shaped like palm leaves. This raised forehead was part of a vertical bar making it a so-called boot-shaped lamp.