Roman Bone Dice Pair

With a wide, grooved hoop expanding at the shoulders, rectangular plaque with ropework border enclosing amuletic inscription 'ToT, an abbreviation for the name of the Celtic god Toutatis. 5.02 grams, 23.37 mm overall, 19.65 mm internal diameter (approximate size British P, USA 7 1/2, Europe 16.23, Japan 15)



Ex private collection, 1970s. Property of a Nottinghamshire gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

A number of rings have been found in eastern Roman Britain inscribed with the word TOT. It is thought that they refer to the Celtic deity Toutatis, later associated by the Romans with Mars and Mercury. The rings have been found mainly in the area corresponding to the native British tribe of the Corieltauvi who may have worshipped Toutatis as their primary tribal deity. The likelihood of the presence of his cult is strengthened by several inscriptions found in Britain mentioning this deity. However, his origin may be sought in the religion of the Continental Celtae, as the Roman writer Lucan in the 1st century AD mentioned the worship of 'Teutatis' together with two other deities, Esus and Taranis.

Plano-convex garnet cabochon in a gold cell with loop. 0.12 grams, 6 mm



Ex property of a late Japanese collector, 1970-2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.

With enamelled pellets to the body, ring-and-dot motifs to the neck; remains of pin-lugs and catchplate to the reverse. 4.36 grams, 29.5 mm



Ex German art market, 2000s. Acquired from an EU collector living in London. From the collection of Surrey, UK, gentleman. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato.