ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

43

A complete and partially corroded copper alloy votive miniature object in the form of a socketed axehead of probable Roman date (AD 43-409).The blade is sub-oval in cross-section and flares in width from the top to the cutting edge. At the top, the oval mouth is recessed to a depth of 3.6mm. The relatively large side loop is circular in cross-section.This object has a matt greyish green patina and small areas of corrosion.Height: 16.6mm; width: 15.5mm; thickness: 6.5mm. Weight: 5.17g.Similar examples have been published (Robinson 1995: 63-65, refs: 9, 18).Although Robinson attributes most miniature axe heads to the late Iron Age and Roman periods, they can date between the Late Bronze Age and late Roman periods.Similar objects have been recorded on The Portable Antiquities Scheme database. For example, see finds: BH-15EFD4; BUC-1FDE42; DOR-67F865; GLO-095477; HAMP837; LIN-B1B742; NARC-2A7713; WILT-6FB3B4; WILT-8C5A61; WILT-E29B44; WILT-F7AB14 and SF-631D32.Robinson, P. 1995, Miniature socketed bronze axes from Wiltshire. Wiltshire Archaeological Magazine Vol. 88.