Figurines Data

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ID	896
Images	No image in database
Grid Ref	TL0262
Project type	Metal detector
County	Bedfordshire
Site	Bedford
Site Name	Riseley
Site Type	Unknown
Location Type	Unknown
Context	Unknown
Context Quality	1
Object Period	0
Material	Bronze
Location	Returned to finder
Ref No	BH-2259B6
M/F	Male
Form	Figurine
Type	Deity
Name	Hercules?
Bearded	No
Standing/Seated	Standing
Clothed	No
Drapery	No
Condition	Corroded, missing right arm and feet
Classical	1
Quality	Stylised
Photo	Yes
Illustration	No
Height	35.80
Length	0.00
Parallels	South Shields (297)
References	PAS database [Link to Bibliography]
Description	An incomplete copper-alloy figurine of probable Roman date. The suggested date for this piece is based on the small patches of patina which remain amidst the largely heavily corroded surface, and the fact that the figure depicted appears to be of distinctly classical form. As the bottom of the statuette is missing, it is unclear whether this was a freestanding figurine or, for example, a handle from an implement such as a knife. The subject matter is also difficult to detetrmine, but the musculature of the torso as well as the possible presence of a snake (see below) suggest that it may be a representation of Hercules. . . For an example of a similar artefact on the PAS database, see BH-A5EBE7. The three dimensional figure is depicted facing, his upper body bent forward from the waist. The left arm is held by the figure's side, bent slightly at the elbow, the hand resting on the upper leg. The right arm is broken but the remaining portion suggests it was held high. A bulge around the shoulder area may represent a heavily worn snake. The figure's pectoral muscles are clearly visible and the legs, broken off just above the feet, are held tightly together. The head, although heavily corroded, is of a definite male nature. The eyes are deeply recessed, the nose is slight and the mouth consists of a short horizontal slit. The face is framed by a moulded hairline (PAS).
PAS id	BH-2259B6