BYZANTINE RED TERRACOTTA PILGRIM'S FLASK

5th-8th century AD. 3 1/8" height. Heavy construction of oval form with the suspension loops merely indicated in relief but not pierced. The front with bust representation of the crucified Christ with ribs delineated. A cross above his head. Reverse with sub burst motif. Surface somewhat degraded from burial. Most pilgrim flasks are from shrines dedicated to saints along the route to the Holy Land and depict those saints. Christ figures are much rarer and undoubtedly come from sites in Israel.