The Barnetby Bull Rider

Description

A complete, cast, copper-alloy bucket escutcheon in the form of a human figure, bull's head and avian head probably dating to the Late Iron Age to the Roman period, c.100 BC-AD 200. This figure might represent Europa and the Bull, as she is often shown riding the bull and holding on to one of his horns. Europa and the Bull was a fairly common motif across the Classical world, with Europa abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull. While it is not certain, it is possible that the figure from Barnetby Le Wold once held a fabric or textile in her right hand, perhaps secured by an iron rivet.

Object number

NOLMS:2024.061

Object

Bucket Escutcheon

Production date

100 BC - AD 200
Late Iron Age
Early Roman

Dimensions

Length: 57.83mm
Width: 51.68mm
Depth: 8.51mm
Weight: 61.05g

Associated people

Campbell, Paul (Mr)

Associated organisations

Essex Coin Auctions

Provenance

Barnetby le Wold
This image is licensed under CC BY 4.0