Figurines Data

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ID	1032
Images
Grid Ref	TL9925
Project type	Excavation
County	Essex
Site	Colchester
Site Name	Lion Walk
Site Type	Colonia
Location Type	Settlement
Context	Make-up
Context Quality	3
Site Date	C1-4
Context Date	C2
Object Period	0
Material	Bronze
Other finds from site	Duck (1031) and eagle wing (1033)
Location	Colchester Castle Museum
Ref No	COLEM 1986.65.3033
Form	Figurine
Type	Bird
Name	Cockerel
Bearded	No
Standing/Seated	Standing
Is an attribute of	Mercury
Clothed	No
Drapery	No
Condition	Good
Classical	1
Quality	Stylised 2
Photo	Yes
Illustration	Yes
Height	31.50
Length	33.50
References	Crummy 1983, 142-3, fig. 171 no 4269 [Link to Bibliography]
Description	A copper-alloy figurine with stout legs. Two small semicircular opposed cut-outs, one at the bottom centre of each wing, suggest the bird may have been held in an upright position by something inserted into these slots. The figure is quite roughly made and stylised in design, especially when compared with enamelled cockerel brooches (Fig 14, 75, 76). The head with its raised comb and prominent eye is particularly unlovely. The plumage is indicated by strong irregular slashing done when the metal was cold, and the primary feathers are shown beside the short vertical tail as deep grooves. Beside other cockerel figures, such as the series of enamelled brooches already mentioned or the birds illustrated by Green (1976, pl 3, I, pl 4, h, pl 5, d), the lack of care taken in the manufacture of this bird becomes apparent. (Crummy). Body largely hollow. Odd piece, almost industrial/robotic appearance.