Journal - Comune di Monteleone di Spoleto

74
V.19 Proper right tusk of the boar protome V.20 Proper left tusk of the boar protome
boar’s head for that purpose. ancient deep scratches are
visible above the canal. a long modern pin dating to the
1903 restoration is attached to the back.
Condition. no significant losses of metal or cracks. The surface
is covered with brown tarnish and thin black corrosion. There
are spots of massive green corrosion and accretions of soil.
2c. Right ear of boar protome (Figures V.17, V.18)
l. without modern pin 4 in. (10.2 cm), W. 2 1⁄4 in. (5.8 cm),
thickness 3⁄8 in. (.8 cm)
Description. This ear is different from the left one: the auricle
is a flatter mirror image and is inserted by a bronze strap
attached to the back by two rivets. in the 1903 reconstruction,
a pin was also added to this ear.
Condition. The heart-shaped bronze sheet is intact. not all
of the riveted strap has survived because it was cut in modern
times to attach the pin. The surface is covered with
brown tarnish and a thin layer of black corrosion. There are
spots of massive green corrosion and accretions of soil.
There are corrosion and loose burial accretions under the
strap; the rivets are covered with green corrosion.
Technical observations. This ear is an ancient replacement
that was also repaired in antiquity. it is cut from a thinner
sheet than the proper left ear. The riveted strap is of old
metal, attached in antiquity; the lower rivet has remains of
V.21 Base of the proper right tusk
of the boar protome
V.22 Base of the proper left tusk of
the boar protome
an earlier repair, visible on the back. microscopic examination
revealed that the cut edges — except those at the base
of the riveted strap — are not recent and display a uniform
layer of corrosion and accretion.
Commentary. The available evidence indicates that this ear
was replaced in antiquity after an accident, when the chariot
fell onto its right side (see Section iii.d).
2d. Tusks of boar protome (Figures V.19 – V.22)
Hippopotamus ivory
Proper right element: H. 3¾ in. (9.5 cm), with ancient iron
support 3 7⁄8 in. (9.9 cm); diam. due to rupture 1 1⁄2 in.
(3.7 cm), at base 1 in. (2.3 cm); proper left element:
H. 3 5⁄8 in. (9.3 cm), with ancient iron support 3 3⁄4 in.
(9.6 cm); diam. 1 1⁄4 in. (3.1 cm), at base 1 in. (2.6 cm)
Description. The pieces are carved in a generally conical
shape, with a wider base. They are at least partly hollow and
curve slightly. Both the base and the apex have scalloped
edges, with the cut at the apex made deliberately for the
attachment of a different material. inside each base there is
a notched iron disk secured by a dowel 1¾ in. (4.5 cm)
long. Four iron pins visible on the iron disks attached the
tusks to wooden supports, traces of which remain.
Condition. much of the ivory is missing from both pieces,
which are recomposed; one of the two has also split along