Colchester Archaeological Report 2: The Roman small finds

CATEGORY 12: OBJECTS ASSOCIATED WITH AGRICULTURE,
HORTICULTURE AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
The dearth of finds in this category may be due in
some part to the poor preservation of iron at
Colchester (p 4). Excavations at Balkerne Lane
and Butt Road uncovered areas of agricultural or
horticultural land use, but finds of associated tools
are lacking (but see the ?rake prong, Fig 206, 4667).
Remains of several eggs were found near a nest at
Lion Walk in 1st-century civilian levels. The pipeclay
egg fragment (Fig 171, 4270), also from Lion Walk,
may be associated with the keeping of hens rather
than with any religious beliefs.
BELLS (Fig 143; 4165-4172)
Most of these bells were probably attached to the
halters or collars of cows, sheep, goats, or possibly
domestic pets, though some may have been used as
personal ornaments (see the bells Fig 41, 1808 on
copper-alloy armlet 1610, Fig 54, 1811, and in
microfiche catalogue 1809-1810). The three
illustrated bells are the same height. However, it
should not be supposed that these provide evidence
of standardization since there are three further
examples (see microfiche catalogue) which do not
conform. All the bells are of copper alloy.
4165 Fig 143 SF LWC 851(C), B405. Unstratified. A simple conical
bell with suspension loop in four fragments. The clapper is
missing. Height 23.0mm, diameter 21.5mm.
4166 Fig 143 SF LWC 2498(C), M111. Rampart 1a. Two
fragments of a bell with raised central boss. There are traces
of an iron clapper on the inside. The suspension loop for
attachment would have been formed by the clapper which
127
• 416fj . 4168 0 1cm
I I
Fig 143 Bells (1:1)
passed through the central boss. Height 23.0mm, diameter
27.0mm.
4168 Fig 143 SF BKC 1974(C), E1244. Unstratified. Roman to
modern. A conical bell with suspension loop. Part of the body
and the clapper are missing. Three lugs (originally four)
survive round the base. Height 23.0mm, diameter 23.5 mm.