Ornate copper oil lamp. The lamp is open wick and is designed for hanging. It appears to have two main parts.  On the bottom, is a small cup which holds the oil.  (There is a frayed string in the bottom of the cup.)  Attached to the back of the cup is a long vertical stick.  On either side of the hanging stick, and immediately above the cup, there are two bird figures. The very top of the hanging stick has an finial on it that resembles two birds with their backs to each other. Running up the stick there are etchings that look like feathers.

Donated by Helen Frangos.

The oil lamp's style looks to have been made in Greece during the 19th century. It was most likely used in the home to light their icon corner based on the bird design. Birds in Greek mythology mean rising above the earth and soaring through the skies, birds have been symbols of power and freedom throughout the ages. In many myths and legends, birds link the human world to the divine or supernatural realms that lie beyond ordinary experience.

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