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Description: | Cast copper alloy artefact of unknown function dating to the Roman period (50-350 AD). The artefact is recorded as a figurine and because the artefact is incomplete there is some uncertainty of function; however, the remnants of a cast bar along the base may indicate that it was used as a part of a terret, harness fitting, vessel handle or possibly as a dress accessory. The term figurine is probably the best term to use as it allows it to be considered amongst parallel artistic examples.The figurine is irregular in plan and cross section. It is zoomorphic in design being cast from a copper alloy (bronze). The design and casting is well achieved and the figurine is proportioned and broadly life-like. The design is that of a lion standing on three feet with the fourth raised, with its head turned fractionally to the right. The lion stands on an incomplete and fragmentary D shaped bar which is broken at both ends. The breaks are both old and patinated. The front paws are also both broken, although they are not patinated or abraded and instead have a purple brown coloured corrosion product across them suggesting that they have been recently damaged. The rear paws (and legs) are cast in one piece (joining the strap bar?) with the tail running down the rear of the legs. The hind quarters are depicted with a deep cast grove / ridge and the flanks (saddle) of the lion have four incised diagonal lines. The neck and mane extend from the body; the casting of the mane is particularly good with the hair being depicted three dimensions in both the casting and additional incised carving. The face is typical of 'Roman lions' being cocked slightly to the right with a wide eyed slightly dopey expression. The head is slightly stumpy, the snout is squashed, and the eyes are formed from raised boos like annulets, the nose is a sub-triangular wedge and the mouth / jaws are wide open. It is likely that the mouth contained teeth but these are corroded and detailing is lost.Overall the condition of this piece is good with a dark black green coloured polished patina covering the majority of the artefact. It is possible that the colour of the patina reflects a decayed applied surface. On external faces light green corrosion is present. A large concreted mass of grit is present on parts of one face which is stained with an iron deposit this possibly indicates deposition in a watery / damp area. A modern damage scar is present on one edge revealing a shiny bronze coloured metal beneath the patina.A direct parallel has not been found. Similar lion statuettes / figurines have been suggested by Sally Worrell (NAF Roman period) one from Kaiseraugst, Germany (S51) and one from Bavai, Belgium which is probably the best example 'lion with serpent) A4. Both broadly dated between 50-350 AD). A search of the PAS database has not revealed any other parallels but may suggest a function as a laying lion has been recorded from Otley, Suffolk (SF-EEBF31) from a Roman vessel handle. This example seems much more robust and is probably from a harness fitting of some sort.The figurine measures 45.0mm length, stands 51.2mm high and is 15.7mm thick. It weighs 67.92 grams.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
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