Stamp

Replica of a 6th-century brass stamp in the shape of a shoe, bearing the inscription XAPIC [grace]. From Damascus, Syria. A number of stamps of this type have survived. They were used for stamping vessels containing foodstuffs, chiefly olive oil and wine. The shape infers a divine presence: on her way through the temple with the offerings, the deity left the imprint of her shoe. It is by her grace that the foodstuffs will remain abundant and fresh.