This lion's paw is made of bronze and was excavated from the Roman walled town of Alchester. It came from a casket or box and was probably one of four, forming the 'feet' of the casket. Lions' feet may celebrate Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, who was linked with wild cats.
This object shows how religious symbolism was often incorporated into domestic objects.
Lion's Paw
Contributed by Oxfordshire Museums
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- Location
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Roman town of Alchester
- Culture
- Period
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between AD50 - early 5th century
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