Romano-British Mortarium Sherd Group

Hollow-formed with short hair and a beret, wearing a paenula military cloak extending to the hips; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 110 grams total, 90 mm including stand



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.

Telesphorus, dressed in the Gallo-Roman manner with the long hooded military cloak (folded on his back), was the subject of many votive statuettes in Roman Gaul. Son of Aesculapius, god of medicine, he certainly had a connection with the world of healing and medical care, and was associated with his sister Hygeia. He belonged to the Celtic pantheon and was spread to the East by the Galatians of Asia Minor. His cult then spread to the West, particularly in the Hadrianic period, as attested by his images found on the Wall at Birdoswald.

Comprising a pierced bulb finial and tapering shank with horizontal bands, ribbed median section and flat panel with perpendicular pierced disc finia; inscribed with Latin letters 'LV. HINT'. 25 grams, 84 mm



Acquired on the London, UK, art market in the 1990s. From a gentleman's private collection.

The fragment is possibly the upper part of a sharp pointed retractor, which was used for delicate operations on the tonsils and other internal parts of the body. The inscription probably refers to the name of the doctor, possibly LV[CIV]S HINT[IUS].

Comprising a substantial ring mounted on a short neck with tiered collars and facetted flared flange below; three radiating carinated knops, loop to the underside. 76.36 grams, 70.36 mm overall, 21.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British V, USA 10 1/2, Europe 23.77, Japan 22)



Found Thetford, Norfolk. From an East Anglian private collection.