FIGURINE

A copper-alloy complete figurine, 47mm in height. This is a figurine of a standing woman, who is most likely to be Indian due to her stance and shape. She has an elaborate pointed head-dress, and a detailed oval-shaped face with large oval eyes a protruding nose and lips. Around her neck there are grooves possibly representing necklaces. Her hands are pressed together and her elbows horizontal, grooves which may represent bangles can be seen on her arms. Behind the elbows and the upper arms there are triangular-shaped protrusions which are decorated with horizontal grooves. Her waist is tiny and hips and thighs flare out beneath it, her legs again have transverse grooves on them and the details of her feet, including her toes can be seen. On the back face of the figurine it is clear that she is wearing some sort of robe, the bodice of which is decorated on the back face with incised zig-zags and transverse grooves with more smaller zig-zags within them. She is standing on a circular base which is placed onto a flat square one, 14mm by 14mm in size. This figurine is in extremely good condition and is very unusual. It has been exmined by Ralph Jackson, of the British Museum, he does not believe that it is Roman in date but thinks that it is more likely to be post-medieval, and to represent an Indian woman. Photographs will also be sent to the Oriental Department to see if they can identify this charming figurine further.