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SPATULA
Unique ID: BH-6D69E7
Object type certainty: Certain
Workflow
status: Published 
A copper-alloy wax spatula handle of Roman date. More than twenty examples of this category of artefact - which depicts the goddess Minerva - have been recorded on the PAS database, some of which are listed below. Worrell (2003) and Crummy (2004) suggest a date of 2nd to early 3rd century date.
The handle takes the form a three-dimensional bust and is a typical example of its type. The facial features are worn, but the recessed elliptical eyes and the wide, open mouth are visible. The figure wears a high-crested helmet at the base of which is a rim or projecting hair. The neck is slender and extends smoothly into the inverted trapezoidal torso, upon which there is a Medusa aegis (bearing a worn head of Medusa). On the back of the torso two inverted chevron-shaped grooves represent the neckline of a garment. At the base of the aegis is a transverse slot, into which the remainder of the tool would have origianlly fitted.
Apart from wear associated with use, the object is in reasonable condition and has little corrosion. It measures 39.4mm high, 12mm wide and 15.5mm deep. The weight is 11.26g.
Find of note status
This has been noted as an interesting find by the recorder.
Class:
Feugère type A5
Sub class: Minerva
Subsequent actions
Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder
Chronology
Broad period: ROMAN
Period from: ROMAN
Period to: ROMAN
Date from: Circa AD 100
Date to: Circa AD 250
Dimensions and weight
Quantity: 1
Length: 39.4 mm
Width: 12 mm
Thickness: 15.5 mm
Weight: 11.26 g
Discovery dates
Date(s) of discovery: Thursday 10th January 2008
Personal details
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Other reference numbers
Other reference: Ver 08/6 - 10
Materials and construction
Primary material: Copper alloy
Manufacture method: Cast
Completeness: Incomplete
Spatial metadata
Region: South East (European Region)County or Unitary authority: Oxfordshire (County)
District: South Oxfordshire (District)
To be known as: South Oxfordshire
Spatial coordinates
Grid reference source: From finder
Unmasked grid reference accurate to a 10 metre square.
References cited
| Author | Publication Year | Title | Publication Place | Publisher | Pages | Reference | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crummy, N. | 2002 | Wax spatula handle from Yorkshire | Online | Roman Finds Group | |||
| Worrell, S. | 2003 | More Minerva bust wax spatula handles |
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Timeline of associated dates
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