Figurines Data

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.