A LEAD PILGRIMAGE AMPULLA FROM ‘AKKO’S CRUSADER HARBOR

A medieval mold-made lead pilgrimage ampulla was retrieved in an underwater excavation in the port of ‘Akko. It exhibits molded ribbing, resembling a scallop shell or drawstring purse on one side, and an aniconic quatrefoil petal on the other. Such mass-produced, budget-friendly, lead pilgrim ampullae are well-known in medieval Christianity, probably reflecting an insatiable desire for holy relics. Certain characteristics of the ampulla may suggest that it was locally produced in ‘Akko. In the Crusader period, ‘Akko was the major maritime gateway in and out of the Holy Land for European pilgrims, and the ‘Akko ampulla may have arrived at the Holy Land carried by a pilgrim as an amulet.