Figurines Data

Search again | Database help

ID	944
Images	No image in database
Grid Ref	SO6424
Project type	Metal detector
County	Herefordshire
Site	Weston under Penyard
Site Type	Unknown
Location Type	Unknown
Context	Unknown
Context Quality	1
Object Period	0
Material	Bronze
Location	Returned to finder
Ref No	HESH-57C8E2
Form	Figurine
Type	Animal
Name	Ram
Bearded	No
Standing/Seated	Standing
Is an attribute of	Mercury
Clothed	No
Drapery	No
Condition	Good
Classical	1
Quality	Stylised 1
Photo	Yes
Illustration	No
Height	26.20
Length	26.40
Parallels	Bow Brickhill (718)
References	PAS database. [Link to Bibliography]
Description	The figurine is a proportioned model of a ram carrying a saddle with bags suspended from either side. It is irregular in both plan and profile. The figurine measures 26.4mm length, 12.4mm width, stands 26.2mm high, and weighs 17.94 grams. The figurine is cast and relatively life like in appearance. The model is realised in three dimensions and is standing on a sub-rectangular (rectangular with rounded corners) plinth. The plinth is irregular in thickness but has a flat base which allows the ram to stand upright. The underside of the plinth has a mid grey-silver coating and this maybe the remains of a lead solder. This would have attached the ram onto a larger scene. The ram and plinth have been cast in one piece, with the hooves of the animal being attached to the plinth. The ram is shown as having four legs, the front two are longer than the rear and are set together and cast in one piece. The rear two legs are also cast in one piece and are conjoined with a long tail which trails down the back of the legs and joins to the plinth. Between the black legs the testicles are shown, and these seem to be also proportioned to the animal. The back of the ram slopes from head to tail and the saddle is positioned centrally. The saddle is sub-triangular in cross-section and has a pointed knop shaped terminal at the centre. To either side of the saddle two oval shaped bags extend. The neck of the ram is short and the face is slightly pointed. The horns of the ram are curled on either side of the head arranged. The majority of the decoration present on the figurine is cast. This includes a series of linear lines extending along the back of the ram and the legs. These lines probably represent rolls within the ram.s wool. The only incised decoration present is on the face where the eyes are shown, by incised ovals with off centre incised pellets, and the mouth is indicated by a crooked incised line. The figurine is a mid green colour with a good but slightly abraded patina. The abrasion is most extensive on the outer edges of the artefact and here a light green active corrosion is present. This abrasion is likely to have been caused by movement in the ploughsoil. The abrasion has also caused the figurine to become slightly asymmetrical and has resulted in the loss of some cast decoration. This is especially evident on one face of the figurine (PAS)>
PAS id	HESH-57C8E2