File:A bird figurine, dating to the Roman period. (FindID 101521).jpg

English: An incomplete cast copper alloy probable votive bird figurine, datting to the Roman period (length: 28m; width: 34.2mm; thickness: 8.1mm; weight: 8.77g). This unidentified bird is depicted with a long straight beak, with a rounded eye visible on one side of the head. All over the body, as well as the head, there are curved and sometimes incised lines that seem to represent the feathers and wings. The underside of the bird’s body is not decorated. Additionally, immediately below the head, there is an incised line running around the neck. The back of the bird is curved and continues to form part of the presumed tail, which is broken and incomplete. In the centre underneath the bird, there are two protruding lugs, with possible evidence of a rivet hole on one of them particularly, possibly indicating that the bird figurine was mounted on to another object. On one of the lugs, there are two incised lines running down the edges. Overall, the artefact is in a worn but fair condition with a light green patina and slightly pitted surface.

Similar examples are illustrated in Smith's 'A Guide to the Antiquities of Roman Britain (British Museum)', 1922, page 60, plate XXIV, ref no 2, found at Felmingham Hall, Norfolk, and have been described as religious objects. Another similar artefact is illustrated in Cunliffe, 1968, page 97 & plate XL, ref no 149, which was found at Richborough and is described as a cock cast in solid, and it was probably attached at the base perhaps to a shaft. Cunliffe states that bird figures are not infrequent on sacred sites as at Woodeaton, Willingham Fen, Lydney and presumably Thoroughsale Wood near Corby.