[Bonetools] A Roman mount???

[Etan Ayalon]

Dear Jose,
I don't think this is one single object but rather perhaps unfinished remains of the production of at least 2 objects (cf. the broken corner at bottom-right).
The main object which the craftsman probably tried to make is the right part, consisting of a rectangular "body" with a round "head" on top and 2 projecting "shoulders" in-between. Such pieces are common in Roman Europe and are usually called gaming pieces or (with a perforation in the rounded top) a tag for a container. As such you can find them in many publications, i.e.:
1) Riscoprire (Rediscovering) Pompei ("L'ERMA" Catalogue), Roma 1993, p. 203 Nos. 88-90 (inscribed);
2) Davidson, G.R. 1952. Corinth XII: The Minor Objects. Princeton, Pl. 100 No. 1761. 
The lower-left part was probably intended to prepare other products, such as the piece sawn out of it, which is possibly a decorative mount.
 
Best wishes
Etan Ayalon
Israel

________________________________

From: bonetools-bounces at listserv.niif.hu [mailto:bonetools-bounces at listserv.niif.hu] On Behalf Of Jose Fern?ndez
Sent: Wednesday, September 02, 2009 7:52 PM
To: bonetools at listserv.niif.hu
Subject: [Bonetools] A Roman mount???


Dear all,

I need help with this object.
I only have this photograph and I don´t know what it is.
It was found in an archeological excavation in Italy.
It could be a mount to be placed on a furniture or box but it has no holes, perhaps it was glued. 
I would thank any help.

Greetings

Jose Fernandez

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