An incomplete cast copper-alloy anthropomorphic figurine of probable earlier Roman date, probably of the first or second century AD. Only about half the figurine survives, taking the form of a hooded and cloaked standing male before truncating abruptly in an old, worn break. Folds in the cloak are represented by parallel incisions, while on the face (though worn) the eyes and hair have been rendered quite realistically. Condition: good despite wear, even dark greenish patina. Length: c. 30mm. Discussion: this object may represent one of the genii cucullacti or 'hooded gods' apparently beloved in Late Iron Age and early Roman Britain. Named after their distinctive attire (the cucullus, a sort of conjoined hooded poncho), they are thought to be associated with the concepts of prosperity and fertility. A number of depictions are known, some in stone from Hadrian's wall, others in the form of small figurines somewhat similar to this potential example. Provenance: from the collection of an ex metal detectorist, found Oxfordshire/Berkshire/Hampshire in the 1980s or 1990s.
An incomplete cast copper-alloy anthropomorphic figurine of probable earlier Roman date, probably of the first or second century AD. Only about half the figurine survives, taking the form of a hooded and cloaked standing male before truncating abruptly in an old, worn break. Folds in the cloak are represented by parallel incisions, while on the face (though worn) the eyes and hair have been rendered quite realistically. Condition: good despite wear, even dark greenish patina. Length: c. 30mm. Discussion: this object may represent one of the genii cucullacti or 'hooded gods' apparently beloved in Late Iron Age and early Roman Britain. Named after their distinctive attire (the cucullus, a sort of conjoined hooded poncho), they are thought to be associated with the concepts of prosperity and fertility. A number of depictions are known, some in stone from Hadrian's wall, others in the form of small figurines somewhat similar to this potential example. Provenance: from the collection of an ex metal detectorist, found Oxfordshire/Berkshire/Hampshire in the 1980s or 1990s.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
