This use of sacred images on pilgrim's vessels illustrates the early Christian belief that images were carriers of divine power.
The images found on the sides of surviving lead pilgrims' ampullae (oil flasks) include scenes relating to the life of Christ, and by extension to the loca sancta (holy sites) where the events took place. Cast into the sides of this ampulla are scenes of Christ's Crucifixion and Ascension into heaven.
Pilgrims' ampullae were small vessels made of metal, terracotta or glass to hold sanctified oil, water, or soil from the holy sites. They were probably manufactured locally for the use of pilgrims. Armatures with suspension mounts show that ampullae, once filled with the holy oil, were then worn around the neck as amulets, not only as personal souvenirs of a pilgrimage, but also to ward off evil. The ampullae, along with their contents and images, also helped transport the holiness of the sacred site in a tangible and visible manner. These humble objects contain some of the earliest Christian images known to western art.
