PLAQUE

This is an incomplete object made of gold sheet, probably dating to the Roman period. It has been tentatively identified by Roman specialist Martin Henig as a votive plaque representing the female sex organs. The remains of the plaque consists of two segments, which have fractured off from each other, but which fit together; the upper portion includes a curved suspension hook and the upper portion of the plaque, which is sub-triangular in shape. The upper portion is torn/fractured across its lower horizontal edge; the second portion of the plaque continues the main area of the plaque from the torn segment of its upper edge. There are two small circular holes which have been punched from the underside of the object near the lower edge of the second segment. Again, the lower horizontal edge of the second segment has broken off from a remaining portion, now lost. The plaque seems to have been manufactured by cutting the shape from a beaten gold sheet and then the hook was shaped through folding and possibly hammering the hook into a thicker, square-sectioned shaft. The end of the hook has been flattened into a straight edge, instead of a point, although this may have been shaped by use.

Both remaining segments are embellished with repousse decoration created from the underside; there is a thicker raised groove which follows the curve of the outer edge and then regularly impressed horizontal lines running down the centre of the plaque, perhaps meant to convey the inner uterine walls. In between the two linear elements to the decoration on each side there is single line of five vertically-spaced repoussee circular bumps. Three similar 'bumps' can be seen in the apex of the upper sub-triangular segment. It is uncertain what function the punched holes served, nor is it by all means certain that this identification is correct.

It is possible that this is the first Roman gold votive plaque of this type found in Britain. Similar types of votive elements throughout the Roman world attest to the usage of these types of objects for votive purposes, as well as an expression of common concerns dealing with physical health, fertility, and child-birth. More information and a discussion forthcoming.

Measurements:

Upper segment: 23.41 overall length; 11.16 mm hooked portion length; 14.48 mm width at broken end; 1.55 mm hook thickness; 0.74 thickness of segment. Weight 1.40 g.

Lower segment: 9.21 overall length; 16.75 mm width; 1.65 mm max. thickness; circular punches are approximately 1 mm in diameter. 0.46 grams in weight

Overall length is approximately 30.84 mm. 1.85 grams in total weight.