FIGURINE

Small copper alloy figurine of classical style in a battered state. Right arm appears to be raised with the left lowered or forward pointing, but both are broken. Head area is badly damaged, with no trace of any features surviving and even its original shape is unclear. It appears to be a female figure in a long skirt, either bare chested or with a tight fitting top. The long pointed nature of the head could indicate a helmeted figure which could suggest that the figurine was of Minerva, an identification supported by the apparently raised right arm which would fit with holding a spear. A superficially similar piece from Chester has, however, had Attis suggested for it (The Searcher Oct 2001, 13). Given its classical style a Roman date must be a possibility and would certainly fit with its poor state of preservation. A post-medieval date, however, is also possible and would fit better with the stud like base which is difficult to parallel on Roman figurines but is found on later pieces, cf. a 16th century Minerva in the Rijksmuseum G.M.Kam at Nijmegen (Zadoks-Josephus Jitta, Peters & Witteveen 1973, 41 D). See also Faider-Feytmans (1979) B11, but this is again of doubtful origin.