ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

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A complete copper alloy miniature axe. It is probably a Roman votive object. The axe head measures 24.92mm in length and is 11.31mm in width. It weighs 5.63g. It is roughly rectangular and becomes thicker and narrower towards the shaft end. The blade end flares to become wider and and thinner, and it curves downwards. Two pairs of incised lines form 'V'shapes running from top to bottom of the axe head across the width, on one surface. The shaft end of the axe head projects beyond the shaft. The shaft is vertical, projecting just above the upper edge of the axe head where it has a flattened oval-shaped cross section. It measures 26.67mm in length and 3.42mm in thickness. This miniature aze is similar in shape and style to an example from Chilham, Kent. (Green 1976, 316, plate XXVIII,n).