Doll
Roman
Front of doll, with now one detached arm
A carved bone figure of woman with separate arms attached to the body, only one of which survives. The arm has extensive marks of working by a saw, knife or a file on all surfaces. The doll is made from cattle bone, probably the right metatarsal (lower hind limb) of a bull. It is thought to be from Roman Britain by the style of the workmanship. Its provenance is unknown as it was recovered by Reading police as stolen property and given to the Museum.
A jointed wooden doll was found at Hitchin and resembles examples found elsewhere in the Roman Empire in bone, wood or clay. Other examples of children's toys from Roman Britain include terracotta figures found at Colchester. Gaming pieces like dice and counters for board games are also common finds.
Museum object number