Figurines Data

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ID 1032
Images    
Grid Ref TL9925
Project type Excavation
County Essex
Site Colchester
Site Name Lion Walk
Site Type Colonia
Location Type Settlement
Context Make-up
Context Quality 3
Site Date C1-4
Context Date C2
Object Period 0
Material Bronze
Other finds from site Duck (1031) and eagle wing (1033)
Location Colchester Castle Museum
Ref No COLEM 1986.65.3033
Form Figurine
Type Bird
Name Cockerel
Bearded No
Standing/Seated Standing
Is an attribute of Mercury
Clothed No
Drapery No
Condition Good
Classical 1
Quality Stylised 2
Photo Yes
Illustration Yes
Height 31.50
Length 33.50
References Crummy 1983, 142-3, fig. 171 no 4269
[Link to Bibliography]
Description A copper-alloy figurine with stout legs. Two small semicircular opposed cut-outs, one at the bottom centre of each wing, suggest the bird may have been held in an upright position by something inserted into these slots. The figure is quite roughly made and stylised in design, especially when compared with enamelled cockerel brooches (Fig 14, 75, 76). The head with its raised comb and prominent eye is particularly unlovely. The plumage is indicated by strong irregular slashing done when the metal was cold, and the primary feathers are shown beside the short vertical tail as deep grooves. Beside other cockerel figures, such as the series of enamelled brooches already mentioned or the birds illustrated by Green (1976, pl 3, I, pl 4, h, pl 5, d), the lack of care taken in the manufacture of this bird becomes apparent. (Crummy). Body largely hollow. Odd piece, almost industrial/robotic appearance.


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Last updated: Wed Feb 29 2012