Last summer, British archaeologists received an unusual object - a small statuette of a turtle, which they managed to tentatively identify only recently. According to them, the artifact found near the village of Wickham Skeet in Suffolk, England is a probable witness of the Ancient Roman era.
Scientists assume that this figurine could have been made at the beginning of the 2nd century AD. The object is just over an inch long and even less wide. It was the D-shaped shape that led archaeologists to believe that it was a small turtle.
arkeonews.net
“Although the top is badly worn, it appears to have once been decorated with two sets of crescent-shaped grooves on either side of the midpoint. The figurine has a crudely shaped head and four legs protruding from the sides. The left forelimb appears to have been broken off some time ago, leaving only a short piece of it. There is also a small tail. The lower side of the object is flat and does not appear to be decorated," the researchers note.
The turtle figurine has a flat base with no evidence that it ever had a mount, which may indicate that it was an individual figurine or perhaps part of a larger set.
The appearance of the find is of great interest among archaeologists and historians, as such technical sophistication in the manufacture indicates a high level of craftsmanship in that period.
arkeonews.net
The study of the statuette raises a number of questions, and scientists continue to analyze historical sources and archaeological finds in an attempt to clarify its origin and significance. However, for now, the exact purpose of this item remains mysterious.
One of the assumptions of scientists is that the statuette could be used as a ritual or religious object, or as a symbol of protection or a lucky charm. With the expansion of research, it may turn out that this artifact has a deep sacred meaning for that time.
arkeonews.net
Historians note that turtles were most often associated with the god Mercury in the Roman world, and in iconography Mercury is often found together with turtles. Mercury was the god of commerce, communication and travelers. It is also possible that the find is related to Sabasius, a Thracian-Phrygian deity.
Source: arkeonews.net
