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INGOT
Unique ID: LEIC-5FF5F8
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Awaiting validation 
A cast lead alloy representation of a human index finger of uncertain date. The artefact is realised in three dimensions and is broadly conical (D shaped) in plan and oval in cross section. It represents the tip of the index finger being cut off above the first knuckle. It is formed in three dimensions with a clearly delineated nail, cuticle and finger. On the lower edge of the front face is a additional irregular piece of lead which masks the lower left area. The underside is oval in shape. There is a little damage from abrasion in the soil.
Height: 35 mm
Width: 34 mm
Weight: 77 g
Peter Reavill comments on HESH-677681: A direct date and function for this piece is unknown. It is possible that it may represent a Roman votive object. It maybe easier to interpret as an ingot produced by placing a finger into wet soil, sand or clay and then the hole being filled with unwanted lead alloy (possibly from casting or metal waste). The depression on the underside could therefore be explained as an artefact of production being caused by metal cooling / shrinkage. This would then render this useful product in ingot form and the finger shape is an unintended by-product.
Notes:
Images and information provided by the finder.
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: UNKNOWN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: POST MEDIEVAL
Date from: Circa AD 50
Date to: Circa AD 1800
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 35 mm
Width: 34 mm
Weight: 77 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Saturday 29th August 2020
Personal details
This information is restricted for your access level.
Materials and construction
Primary material: Lead Alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Complete
Spatial metadata
Region: East Midlands (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Leicestershire (County)
District: Melton (District)
Parish or ward: Hoby with Rotherby (Civil Parish)
Spatial coordinates
4 Figure: SK6719
Four figure Latitude: 52.76445475
Four figure longitude: -1.00849584
1:25K map: SK6719
1:10K map: SK61NE
Grid reference source: GPS (from the finder)
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 1 metre square.
References cited
No references cited so far.
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