COSMETIC PESTLE

An incomplete copper alloy probable pestle from a Cosmetic Set, of Late Iron Age to Early Roman dating (100 BC to AD 200).

Around 75% of the probable pestle is present, the loop is incomplete. The probable pestle iwas originally end looped. The probable pestle has an oval cross section, curved and gradually tapers to the tip.

It measures 51.3 mm in length, 16.1 mm wide and 6.7 mm thick. It weighs 16.1 g.

The probable pestle is a mid green colour. Abrasion, caused by movement whilst within the plough soil, has resulted in a loss of some of the original surface.

Cosmetic pestles are part of a cosmetic set, comprising a curved mortar and pestle. These artefacts are tend to be found in Britain, with relatively few examples found on the continent (Jackson, 2010). All are considered to be Late Iron Age to Early Roman in dating (100 BC to AD 200). A similar example with a recurved end loop has been illustrated as no 520 (Jackson, 2010, 198). Two similar pestles have been recorded on the PAS database as GLo-7A6033 and SWYOR-ECAC13.

Reference:
Jackson, R. 2010. Cosmetic Sets of Late Iron Age to Early Roman Britain. British Museum Publications. London.