Mixed Terracotta Idol Group

Flat-section hoop with low-relief pellets and banding to the outer face imitating a wreath; inner face with incised legend in seriffed capitals 'FOR EVER ORE NEVER'. 1.39 grams, 15.72 mm overall, 13.98 mm internal diameter (approximate size British F, USA 2 3/4, Europe 3.67, Japan 3)



Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Framlingham, Suffolk, UK, on Saturday 26th August 2023, by Mr Pepper; declared as Treasure and subsequently disclaimed. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SF-3FCA89. Accompanied by a copy of the Treasure report for H M Coroner from Framlingham, Suffolk, no.2023T946.

The find spot, Framlingham in Suffolk, is the site of Framlingham Castle which was once the stronghold of the powerful Dukes of Norfolk. The present structure dates to 1148 AD but may have replaced an earlier burh from pre-Conquest times. It has had royal associations for centuries, and Mary Tudor (the daughter of Henry VIII by his first wife, Catherine of Aragon) was proclaimed Queen of England at the castle in 1553, the first woman to accede to the throne of England in her own right.

Composed of graduated tabular beads with a gold-coloured metal collar to each side, smaller cylindrical beads in between; restrung. 32 grams, 47 cm



Ex London art market. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.

Modelled in the round in crouching pose with hands resting on the handstone of a saddle quern; repaired. 2.52 kg, 22.5 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.