The Roman world was well known for its use of slaves.
This curious object, found by a metal-detectorist in Ingoldisthorpe
in north Norfolk, appears to show a slave or a bound captive.
The figure is shown sitting down, with his neck bound,
the rope or chain then stretching down to his legs.
Only about twenty of these tiny figurines are known so far
from the Roman empire and even their date and original purpose
are uncertain. It is clear that, like ours, they once were
mounted as they have holes down their backs. Whatever they
were used for, they may perhaps have been some sort of emblem
among those associated with the slave trade.
H: 42mm; W:31mm |
