Current issue
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Autumn 2024
Features
Geoarchaeological research pinpoints new insights into Ilford silt The site at 573—585 High Road, llford, revealed Middle Pleistocene deposits showing an improved understanding of their age, origin and stratigraphic relationships. C P Green, C R Batchelor, J Athersuch, K Dudgeon, C Lang, P Toms & J Wood Excavations at Monument Street Extensive evidence from the Great Fire showed the busy nature of the pre-fire and the extensive redevelopment of the area post-fire. Ian Blair, with contributions from various finds specialists from MOLA Plus book review, letter, commentary, news, and diary On the Cover This incomplete copper-alloy figurative mount terminal was possibly part of a yoke fitting from a wheeled vehicle, or from a piece of furniture or vessel. It was found during the Regis House excavations (see this issue), in a pre-Boudican (AD 50—60/61 ) foreshore context. It shows a pouncing lion with his front paws set on a human head. The figural elements are moulded with details delineated by incised lines. The facial details of the head are incised and the styling of the nose and hair give it a Celtic look. The eyes are oval with central dots and linear eyebrows, and the smiling mouth is formed by a curving line. The lion has a more classical look and is modelled in the round, suggesting that it was meant to be seen from all angles. The folded hind legs and tail have incised details and the front paws have finely incised lines to indicate the toes. A similar treatment detailed the face and mane. The back of the head is flat and central circular-sectioned rods extend from the backs of both the heads, indicating it must have been part of something larger. A full description of this object (<S226>) can be found in the new e-publication about the Regis House excavations. Photo. © MOLA |