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    Djemila Baptistery Font and Ciborium

    Djemila Baptistery Font and Ciborium
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    View/Open: 94.jpeg (84.kB)

    Creator
    Cioffi, Paul L., 1928-2004
    Repository
    DigitalGeorgetown
    Description
    Central to the round Christian baptistery at Djemila (late 4th / early 5th C.) is a square, canopied font. The font is enveloped by a richly decorated inner ambulatory which, in turn, is surrounded by an outer ambulatory. The building was designed to accommodate a single ritual, that of Christian Initiation (Baptism). The rectangular, 2-step font is covered with a stone canopy hewn from a single rock that is supported by four Corinthian columns that have fluted shafts and capitals carved with acanthus leaves. The columns are mounted on large pedestals. The sturdy lintels help bear the weight of the stone canopy and were likely draped with curtains to protect the modesty of catechumens who descended into the waters of Baptism stripped naked. When the baptistery was in use, a lamp hung from the center of the canopy. This sort of canopy, frequently seen over altars, is also called a ciborium or baldachin. ca. June 1983
    Permanent Link
    http://hdl.handle.net/10822/554421
    Date
    1983-06
    Rights
    Rights Note
    For more information about copyright for materials within DigitalGeorgetown, please consult https://www.library.georgetown.edu/copyright/digitalgeorgetown.
    Subject
    Church buildings; Archaeological sites; Baptisteries; Fonts (religious building fixtures);
    Collections
    • Rev. Paul Cioffi, S.J. Photographs Collection
    Metadata
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    • Djemila Baptistery Font with Ciborium and Floor Mosaic

      Djemila Baptistery Font with Ciborium and Floor Mosaic 

      Cioffi, Paul L., 1928-2004 (1983-06)
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    Georgetown University Seal
    ©2009 - 2023 Georgetown University Library
    37th & O Streets NW
    Washington DC 20057-1174
    202.687.7385
    digitalscholarship@georgetown.edu
    Accessibility