Saint Stephen in Africa: On Saints, Spinsters, and Synagogues in Late Antiquity

Author:

Sivan Hagith

Abstract

Abstract: This study forges a novel link between an image molded unto an oil lamp from Carthage and the text that inspired it. Wrongly considered unique and misinterpreted for over a century, the lamp features a hallowed figure holding a cross in its right arm and crushing a serpent-dragon under its feet. This triad—man, cross, beast—is planted atop an inverted seven-branch candelabra, the ubiquitous Jewish symbol of Late Antiquity. Behind the story of the pictured saint simultaneously subduing a dragon and a candelabra is a tradition of vehement anti-Judaism based on the New Testament and richly laced with African theology and martyrology. Using as interpretative keys a group of oil lamps manufactured in North Africa for Christian and Jewish customers, this study traces the evolution of new, peculiarly African discourses of sainthood, of martyrdom, and of Jewishness.

Publisher

Project MUSE

Subject

History,Classics

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