File:Detail of zoomorphic votive object dating to the Roman period (50 – 410 AD). (FindID 91122).jpg

English: An incomplete cast copper alloy zoomorphic figurine in the form of a large bird; probably a goose, dating to the Roman period (50 – 410 AD). The bird is irregular in plan and cross section and measures 26.9mm height, 8.5mm width, and is 10.3mm thick. It weighs 4.59 grams.

  The bird is depicted standing on its rear legs with its wings folded slightly across each other over the tail; its neck is raised and its head is thrown slightly back. There are a number of areas of incised decoration present. This is most evident on the rear of the goose (on the tail and wings) where the decoration has been used to suggest feathers. Similar incised decoration can be seen on the back and neck. The eyes and beak of the bird have also been incised to indicate specific features; however, much of this detail has been lost through abrasion. The bird is likely to have been freestanding (or would have been if it hadn’t lost a leg). 


  

The votive bird is a mid green colour with an even (but slightly abraded) patina which covers all surfaces. As mentioned above the bird has lost its foot; this is a relatively old break as the patina covers the broken surface. A parallel for this votive model has not been found. It has also been suggested that this small bird might also represent a toy; again no parallels have been found to suggest this.