ROMAN MINIATURE OBJECT

100

An incomplete and heavily corroded copper-alloy object which is probably a votive axe of Roman date, but could possibly be a fragment of a Bronze Age axe. No trace of a patina remains on the underside, which would confirm that it is a votive axe; however, the general form does support the theory. Votive axes have been found on Roman sites, for example at Baldock in Hertfordshire (I.M.Stead and V.Rigby; 1986; pp.136), where they were found in 2nd to 4th century contexts. For other examples, see PAS record nos. BH-447227, BH-875AF2, BH-E4E401 and BH-6D7895.The three-dimensional object is trapezoidal in plan and increases in thickness from the "cutting edge" to the now-missing "attachment end". It measures 16.5mm long, 16mm high and 6.6mm thick; it weighs 4.79g.