Kelibia baptismal font
Type:
Baptismal fonts,
Baptisteries,
Mosaics
Date:
End of the sixth century
Location or Findspot (Modern-Day Country):
Tunisia
Description:
This four-lobed font was once part of a sixth-century baptistery attached to the Basilica of Clupea (another name for Kelibia, a coastal town in Tunisia). During a baptism, an individual could either sit on the stepped interior or stand within the font, which has a depth of just over 1 meter. A dedicatory inscription around the edge names the patrons, Aquinius and Juliana, along with their household and children, who "built these mosaics for the placid waters of eternity." The font is dedicated to saints Cyprian and Adelphius.
Both the font and surrounding floor of the baptismal chamber were covered in polychrome stone mosaics. The figural decoration includes aquatic creatures, trees representing the four seasons, grape vines, a chalice, a dove that likely represents the Holy Spirit, various other birds, a cross under a canopy, and a chest with an open lid (possibly an ark). Its non-figural decoration includes geometric patterns and several Christograms with alphas and omegas, the largest of which is at the deepest point of the font.
Both the font and surrounding floor of the baptismal chamber were covered in polychrome stone mosaics. The figural decoration includes aquatic creatures, trees representing the four seasons, grape vines, a chalice, a dove that likely represents the Holy Spirit, various other birds, a cross under a canopy, and a chest with an open lid (possibly an ark). Its non-figural decoration includes geometric patterns and several Christograms with alphas and omegas, the largest of which is at the deepest point of the font.
Relevant Textbook Chapter(s):
3
Repository and Online Resources:
• This font is now at the National Bardo Museum in Tunis.
Image Credits:
Wikimedia Commons
