Roman Capricorn figurine on display at Museum of Somerset

[Neil]

A rare Roman bronze figurine in the shape of a mythical creature is going on display at the Museum of Somerset.

Representing the zodiac sign of Capricorn, experts have described it as being of national importance.

The figure's rarity is due to its large size which has in turn added a layer of mystery as to its intended purpose.

It is about 12ins (30 cm) long which is about two or three times bigger compared to similar objects of its type.

Head of Museums Steve Minnitt said: "Roman figurines occur with certain frequency but nothing has turned up of this size. It's enormous.
 
"Representations of Capricorn are unusual from the Roman period - Capricorn occurs on a few coins, there are a number of figurines.

"The closest parallel comes from Austria but even then it's nothing like this quality."

Capricorn was also the emblem of the Second Augusta Legion which invaded and controlled the South West of England in 43 AD.

The figure was found last February by metal detector enthusiasts last in Burrington, North Somerset, near the Roman lead mines on the Mendip Hills. It was sold to the museum for about £16,000.

The Victoria and Albert Purchase Grant Fund paid half the costs, and donations also came from a private donor and the Friends of the Museum of Somerset.

But the intended purpose of the figurine remains under debate.

One idea is that it was a standard for the legion's flag but this has been discounted.

'Regimental dinners'
 
Finds liaison officer at Somerset County Council Laura Bennett, said: "You would need quite a strong attachment to be able to wave it around on a big pole - but there really is no evidence of those.

"What it suggests is that it's designed to sit on perhaps an altar, or even a table.

"Perhaps it is directly associated with the legion, as something at the centre of their dining table when having regimental dinners or it belonged to someone who was attached or retired from the legion."

The figurine goes on permanent display from Saturday.

[Val Beechey]

That's a lot of speculation for £16,000.  It wasn't you Geoff, was it ? 

Val

[Villan (Neil)]

What an amazing find 

[Chef Geoff]

LOL No Val it wasn't me but frustratingly I used to detect around Burrington More likely to be Jon (jtalbot) as that's his stomping ground

[jtalbot0001]

Unbelievably I can get on this site today, amazing! I actually saw this item when it first appeared on the PAS database months ago and saw it came from Burrington, and LOL, I’m afraid it wasn’t me Geoff, wish it was! If it was it could have paid for my fees (only 2000 Pounds) to stay in the country indefinitely! (I’m having to find money from somewhere at this point in time, else I wont be able to stay here and detect anymore at all, got till Xmas – oh dear – it’s easier to stay here if you are an illegal immigrant these days, how ridiculous is that). Anyhow Geoff, although it was not me I’m pretty certain I know which area of Burrington it came from. And on top of Burrington is where my post ages back of a Roman lock (depicting Minerva) came from, so it seems the whole area was active during the Roman period, but then that isn’t surprising since the Lead Mines are not that far away. Donations anyone ….

[cardiffian]

That is one hell of a find. Any bigger and you could sit on it's back!