ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

-100

A cast copper alloy miniature axe head, possibly votive, and probably dating from the Late Iron Age to the Roman period (c. 100 BC - AD 410). The axe head is socketed with a small semi-circular loop protruding from underneath the axehead near to the socket. The axe blade is straight and tapers in thickness to the blade edge, which is complete. The 'socket' end is oval in cross-section, being slightly thicker on one outside edge. Both the socket and loop contain soil. The object has a smooth dark green patina with some small patches of corrosion around the socketed end.Although many miniature or votive objects are dated to the Roman period, some are considered to be Iron or even Bronze Age in date. However the patina of this object does suggest a later Iron Age or Roman date.