ROMAN TRIPOD VESSEL

43

An incomplete copper-alloy leg fom a miniature tripod. The artefact is well-moulded and takes the form of an elongated 'S-shape'. The upper half of the leg is 'D-shaped' in section and tapers in width towards its base. On the upper surface, at the base of the upper half of the leg, is a band of moulded leaf decoration, the surfaces of which are heavily tinned or silvered. Above this band is a second, shorter, band of leaves, set lower than the one below and lacking any surface coating. The top face of the leg is flat and angles downwards. At its centre is a small circular depression which represents the point at which the leg was attached to the vessel. The back of the leg has a deep curvature. Separating the upper and lower parts of the leg is a moulded transverse band which, at the back, extends into a pointed projection. The lower half of the foot is of feline appearance and realistically portrayed. At the back, it tapers to a vertical ridge and the surfaces have been cast to give the impression of short hair or fur. The foot comprises four deeply-moulded digits, each with a small circular cell at the end, the outer two containing green enamel, the inner two red enamel. The foot's underside is convex. The artefact measures 44.7mm high, 14.7mm wide and 18.5mm deep. It weighs 28.94g. Similar examples are recorded on the PAS database - see LIN-505FA6, LANCUM-D9C603, NMGW-C1B167. The design of these artefacts can also be compared with folding knife handles such as BH-EDA355. The suggested date range is 1st to 2nd century AD.