Bone amulet-doll, Roman, Cucufate, Portugal

Bone amulet-doll from roman villa of S. Cucufate, Alentejo, Portugal. Roman Empire (1st century AD to 5th century AD). Stylized female figure, decorated with incisions that mark her physiognomic and anatomical features. The piece is traversed by a transverse bore from shoulder to shoulder for suspension. It could be an amulet to commission the young brides to protect the Lares and Penates gods, although this hypothesis still remains open. Its total length is 13,4 cm. Currently it is showcased in the permanent exhibition of the museum of S. Cucufate (Vila de Frades, Vidigueira). Catalog No. CUC. 81 III 35 (4). Processed and modeled in Reality Capture from 648 photos PONTE, S. da, (1987): “Artefactos romanos e post-romanos de S. Cucufate”, Conimbriga, XXVI, Coimbra.