A ritual figurine discovered in Devon has gone on display at the Uncovered gallery at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery (above). © Polly Stock, Plymouth City Museums and Art Gallery
A tiny figurine of a Roman God discovered in Devon has gone on display in the Uncovered Gallery at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery.
The copper alloy figure, which is only seven centimetres long, is a scaled-down version of a well-known image of Jupiter, Roman King of the Gods and God of sky and thunder.
The figure is around 1,700 to 1,900 years old and was discovered by a metal detectorist near Loddiswell, where such finds are extremely rare.
Acid in the soil and years of weathering has worn away the surface of the figurine, and parts of the arms and legs are missing, as well as the original base.
"This is still an amazing find which gives us a real insight into one of the most interesting eras in our past history," reflected Keeper of Natural History Fiona Pitt.
"In Roman times, people deposited small metal representations of body parts at sacred places. They were usually asking for divine help to cure medical problems concerning the afflicted parts.
"It's possible that the missing parts of the figurine's arms and legs could have been deliberately removed and used as votive offerings like these."
The figurine will remain on display until the end of July 2010.
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