ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

43

Copper alloy miniature weapon. Cast model of a dagger with a broad triangular blade of lentoid section, a narrow sub-rectangular section hilt with lightly convex surfaces front and rear. This is surmounted by a sub-triangular loop in place of a pommel, the flat top of which is thinner than the rest, possibly from wear. This may be a votive miniature object, of a form resembling the parazonium, a fighting dagger carried by legionary soldiers, to be either worn or displayed suspended. Excavated miniature weapons are often associated with shrines and ritual shafts, and another miniature item reported along with this object may also relate to the proximity of a shrine or temple. Suggested date: Roman, 43-410.Length: 59.3mm, Width: 12.6mm, Thickness: 5.6mm, Weight: 9.50gms.