Archaeologists and historians often find themselves captivated by the intricate details of ancient artifacts, as each discovery holds the potential to unveil a piece of history previously unknown. One such fascinating find emerged during excavations at Wimpole in Cambridgeshire, where a small 5 cm figurine stirred excitement and curiosity among National Trust archaeologists and their colleagues from Oxford Archaeology East.
The archaeological endeavor at Wimpole, undertaken as part of a new visitor welcome and parking project in 2018, aimed to explore the ancient landscape surrounding the National Trust’s Wimpole Mansion. What unfolded was a revelation of a late Iron Age settlement transitioning into the early Roman era, offering glimpses into the lives and beliefs of ancient inhabitants.
However, it was the intricacies of the unearthed artifacts that led to intriguing discoveries. Among these artifacts, a dated statue stood out, providing valuable insights into the trends and cultural nuances of the 1st century AD. The figurine’s meticulous craftsmanship revealed details such as a small mustache and a distinct hairstyle—a feature that could signify contemporary fashion trends or the customary depiction of deities during that period.
Shannon Hogan, the National Trust Archaeologist for the East of England, expressed excitement about the find, stating, “This figure is an exceptional find and thanks to careful conservation and cleaning, we can now see some remarkable detail. His hairstyle and moustache are clear, which might be indicative of current trends or perhaps ‘typical’ for depictions of this particular deity.”
What made the discovery even more intriguing was the fusion of Roman and Celtic influences evident in the statue. While displaying traits characteristic of Celtic art, such as oval eyes, the figure also held a torc—an open-ended metal neck ring associated with status, often found in Roman contexts. This blend of cultural elements highlighted the interconnectedness and shared aesthetic sensibilities during the Roman occupation of Britain from AD 43 to 410.
Chris Thatcher from Oxford Archaeology East emphasized the significance of such finds, remarking, “Finds such as this give a rare and fascinating insight into aesthetics and symbolism in the latest Iron Age. The extent to which his hairstyle is typical of contemporary styles will never be known for certain. However, we think the combination of him holding a torc – associated with status – and forming the handle of a spatula – either used to mix medicines, or wax for writing tablets – speak of influence and power.”
The figurine, believed to have served as the handle of a spatula, likely held symbolic and functional importance within its cultural context. Its presence at Wimpole hints at the site’s significance as a local hub within a robust trading network, as evidenced by the plethora of artifacts uncovered during the excavation. These artifacts, ranging from imported pottery to metal objects like coins, cosmetic implements, horse harness fittings, and military uniform fittings, offer a mosaic of daily life and material culture during that era.