ID | 20 |
---|---|
Images | |
Grid Ref | SP5305 |
Project type | Chance |
County | Oxfordshire |
Site | near Oxford |
Site Name | Woodeaton? |
Site Type | Religious |
Location Type | Shrine |
Context | Unknown |
Context Quality | 0 |
Object Period | 0 |
Material | Bronze |
Location | British Museum |
Ref No | 1883,0802.12 |
Form | Figurine |
Type | Animal |
Name | Wolf God |
Bearded | No |
Standing/Seated | Seated |
Clothed | No |
Drapery | No |
Condition | Good, very slight wear and pitting, left ear broken. |
Classical | 1 |
Quality | Classical 3 |
Photo | Yes |
Illustration | No |
Height | 68.00 |
Length | 0.00 |
Parallels | Reinach 1904a; Boucher 1973, no 269; Llys Awel (1176 and 1177) |
References | Henig and Munby 1973, pl XXX; Alcock 1963, 119, pl XIX; Bagnall Smith 1995, 181; Pitts 1979, no 144, pl 23; Green 1976, 177 [Link to Bibliography] |
Description | Here we see a carnivorous male animal, probably a hound, squatting on its haunches and devouring a man; the creature may represent a Celtic wolf-god. Details such as the great mane that runs down the monster's spine and terminates in a long tail which curves round onto itself, are exceptionally well done for a bronze this size. The only really clear parallel is a figurine from Fouqueure (Charente) in the museum at Angouleme (Henig and Munby p386). Sits with tail curled around right haunch and over the back. Thick mane down back with central groove and wavy incisions to each side, also continues under the ears to the mouth. Large phallus. Fierce face, better modelled on the right side with eye and teeth. Powerful body. |
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URL: http://intarch.ac.uk/journal/issue31/1/figurines.cfm
Last updated: Wed Feb 29 2012