MOUNT

A cast copper alloy vessel mount dating to Roman period (AD 43-410). The mount is complete and is a representation of the god Mercury, with head, shoulders and part of the chest. The reverse of the figurine is flat, allowing attachment of the mount to the vessel. The object is a light grey colour, indicative of high content of tin in the alloy.

The head consist of an unbearded, young face with rounded eyes, projecting and slightly abraded nose and rounded chin. The figurine has long and curly hair framing the face and reaching the shoulders. From the top of the head, project two elongated elements. The latter could possibly be two small wings, part of the winged hat that is typical of Mercury's iconography or two horns, usually associated with the representation of satyrs. The figurine is wearing a simple drapery, held together by a brooch located on the right shoulder.

The drapery is quite significant for the identification of the figurine. In fact, even if he is not wearing any hat, and the the projections could be both wings and horns, usually satyrs are represented without any vest or similar covering the bust. For this reason is likely to suggest the identification with Mercury.

The mount measures 47.81mm in length, 33.31mm in width, 13.96mm thick (3.43mm minimum thick) and weighs 40.02g.

Similar vessel mounts are recorded on PAS database as LANCUM-1747E5, identified as a satyr, or ESS-C925CE, both dating to Roman period.