Pondera RO154 bronze distaff
Catalogue number
Pondera RO154
Inventory number
IG 11385
Holding institution
Adria, Museo Archeologico Nazionale
Description
Bronze element. Discoid, with a bifid molding along the circumference; on one side it is flat and has a central rectangular hole (0.5 x 0.2 cm); on the other side, it elongates into a funnel and is broken at the tip. Part of the grave goods from TOMB 2.
Context
Details
Type
distaff
Dimensions
L.
17
mm
Material
bronze
Preservation state
fragment
Remarks
Tomb 2 is part of a series of Roman cremation tombs. Interpreted as a pinhead, it may instead be the terminal part of a rock. Formal comparisons have been made with two lead objects from the necropolis in Passetto (Adria), which, however, appear to date to the 3rd century BC. This does not rule out a reuse or formal/functional continuity. The objects are classified as spindle whorls, although a possible comparison with objects identified as shaft terminals, e.g., distaffs, has been suggested.
Examined first-hand.
Recorded by
A. Tricomi
Year of study
2011