File:Ampulla (FindID 80328-42917).jpg

English: A lead ampulla. It seems to have been cast as a single object (rather than as two sides that were soldered together). This example is quite finely crafted. One side bears a scallop shell decoration, with the shell forming the lower part of the container; marking off the shell are two horizontal lines, with diagonal hatching between them; either side of these are two small loops, one of which has broken off at one end. Above this the undecorated neck rises up.
The other side is decorated all the way up. The lower part has diagonal hatching with similar hatching around the edges; in the middle is a small crowned crest, the latter seemingly composed of a cross within a square. Above this are the same lines and hatching as on the obverse. Above this, there appears to be a small picture of an ampulla, with diagonal hatching, above which are small dots, likely to represent holy water; behind the ampulla are two horizontal lines.
The lower part of the ampulla has been dented, and the opening at the top has been roughly torn. This damage to the top is interesting, because some of the original sealed top is visible. The dent may be due to ‘ritual killing’ - this is quite believable, when one recalls the superstitions surrounded holy water and its use and misuse; alternatively, it is also possible that this dent represents plough damage. The body has been squashed two, by hand, showing that the owner tried to squeeze out every last drop.
The scallop design shows that this ampulla probably came from the major international pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela in north-west Spain, the scallop shell being the badge of St. James. This artefact dates to the medieval period, the fine detail suggesting a later date.