Note from the Roman Palace at Fishbourne (Sussex): A Roman Magic Lead Figurine?

Abstract

A.D.) on a site excavated by Chichester District Archaeological Unit ahead of housing development (FIG. 4). 25 The figurine is about 43 mm in height. Except for some limited modern damage to the chest it appears to retain its original form and all four limbs and head are present. However, the end of the right leg, the forearms and hands are missing. The left leg is longer than the right and bent under the body at the knee (FIG. 5a). The forehead is prominent and details of the hair and eyes can be seen, but there is no mouth. There are no indications as to the gender of the figurine, but details on the face could suggest a beard. Its crude appearance suggests that it was roughly made, but a tool with a very thin tip was used to create the detail on the face and the head (FIG. 5c). A broader tool was perhaps used to separate the buttocks (FIG. 5b).

Roman Magic Figurines from the Western Provinces of the Roman Empire: An Archaeological Survey

“…18 ); (h) F9. Figurine from Fishbourne ( after Bailliot and Symmons 2012 ; photo: M. Bailliot ); (i) F10. Figurine from Reims ( after Bailliot 2010 , 110, fig.…”

“…Lead was also used to make cult statuettes (e.g. a small lead plaque depicting a goddess from Fishbourne Roman Palace: Bailliot and Symmons 2012, 252, fig. 6a.…”

“… 76 Bailliot and Symmons 2012. The object is held in the care of Sussex Archaeological Society at Fishbourne Roman Palace.…”