PREVIEW

The head of a rare ancient figurine of the god Mercury has been found in the remains of a newly discovered Roman settlement in Kent.
The find was unexpected as archaeologists were exploring the site of a medieval shipyard in Smallhythe, Kent, when they stumbled upon a Roman settlement.
Crafted from pipeclay, the head of the Mercury figurine is considered "extremely rare" by experts. Fewer than 10 similar Roman figurines have been found in Britain to date.
Archaeologist Dr Matthew Fittock commented: “Pipeclay figurines were mainly used by civilians for private religious practice in domestic shrines and occasionally in temples and the graves of often sick children.
“Rather than pieces being discarded because they were broken, there is evidence to suggest that deliberately breaking some figurine heads was an important ritual practice, whereas whole figurines are usually found in graves. Few single pipeclay heads are known in Britain, some of which may have been votive offerings.”
The whole figurine likely showed Mercury standing, either wearing a short cloak called a chlamys or without clothes, holding a staff with two snakes wrapped around it, known as a caduceus.
Speaking about the significance of the find, he added: “Finds like this at Smallhythe provide an extremely valuable insight into the religious beliefs and practices of the culturally mixed populations of the Roman provinces.”
Nathalie Cohen, National Trust archaeologist explained that the site is significant as they also found signs of use by the Roman navy.
She said: “Our excavations at Smallhythe revealed previously undiscovered Roman activity, dating from the 1st-3rd centuries AD, where we found tiles stamped with the mark of the Roman fleet (the Classis Britannica), ceramics including an intact pot, and evidence for buildings, boundary features and pits – which provide tantalising clues to the nature of this riverside community.”
Managed by the National Trust, Smallhythe Place has attracted archaeological investigations for several years.
The Mercury head, along with other finds from the excavation, will go on show at Smallhythe Place from 28 February 2024.