Figurines Data

ID	68
Images
Grid Ref	TL9724
Project type	Excavation
County	Essex
Site	Colchester
Site Name	Lexden tumulus
Site Type	Rural
Location Type	Grave
Context	Grave
Context Quality	3
Site Date	c.15-10BC
Object Period	-1
Material	Bronze
Other finds from site	Other figurines and attachments
Import	Yes
Place of manufacture	Italy?
Location	Colchester Castle Museum
Ref No	COLEM 2001.96
M/F	Male
Age	Child
Form	Figurine
Type	Deity
Name	Cupid
Bearded	No
Standing/Seated	Seated
Attributes	Yes
Attribute description	Wings and bird
Clothed	No
Drapery	No
Condition	Corroded. Missing right arm and left wing.
Classical	1
Quality	High
Photo	Yes
Illustration	Yes
Height	49.00
Length	62.50
Parallels	Faider-Feytmans 1957, no 115+117; Rolland 1965, no 215
References	Pitts 1979, no 50, pl 2; Green 1976, 219; Toynbee 1964, 39; Laver 1926-7, 241-54; Foster 1986, 53, fig 20 [Link to Bibliography]
Description	\'sitting cross-legged on what might originally have been a cloud. He is holding a bird under the left arm; the wings and tail are clearly shown and feathers indicated by incisions. From the shape it is probably a duck or goose. The right arm of the figurine is outstretched as though holding onto or rsting on top of something else' (Foster). No other pre-Roman Cupids in England. Right leg crossed over left at ankles. Holds bird resting on left thigh. Leans back. Much of detail missing due to corrosion. Head turned to right.