Polycandela are devices used to hang multiple oil-filled glasses from the ceiling for the purpose of illuminating interiors. Remarkably, part of the chains used to hang this polycandelon are still attached to the inner ring. Objects like this were the primary source of lighting in elaborate buildings such as churches before the 8th century CE. The glasses were placed in the round holes in their pattern, as can be see between the 2 rings on this artifact. It is approximately 10 inches in diameter. This particular example has a simple design; however, some were made with more intricate metal details. Polycandela were made in a variety of different shapes and sizes—for example, some are arranged in a cross shape. 

—Jericho Steele

Catalogue Record, Penn Museum