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A Dea Nutrix Figurine from a Romano-British Cemetery at Baldock, Hertfordshire

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 March 2010

Gilbert R. Burleigh ,
Keith J. Fitzpatrick-Matthews  and
Miranda J. Aldhouse-Green
Gilbert R. Burleigh
Affiliation:
10 Cromwell Way, Pirton, Hitchin, Herts. SG5 3RD, gilburleigh@aol.com
Keith J. Fitzpatrick-Matthews
Affiliation:
North Hertfordshire District Council, Museums Resource Centre, Hitchin, keith.matthews@north-herts.gov.uk
Miranda J. Aldhouse-Green
Affiliation:
SCARAB, University of Wales College, Newport, m.aldhouse-green@newport.ac.uk
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Abstract

An unusually complex fourth-century infant grave excavated in Baldock in 1988 produced a complete Dea Nutrix figurine. Whilst not uncommon as site finds, Deae Nutrices are less frequently encountered as grave gifts in Britain than in Gaul. The reasons for its inclusion as a grave gift are explored, as are wider questions of Romano-British burial practice in the town, the significance of Dea Nutrix as a deity, and the nature of funerary ritual. An assessment is also made of the status of the Roman town.

Keywords

Roman BritainBaldockRoman cemeteriesmother goddessesDea NutrixRoman child burialritual

Information

Type
Articles
Information
Britannia , Volume 37 , November 2006 , pp. 273 - 294
Copyright
Copyright © Gilbert R. Burleigh 2006. Exclusive Licence to Publish: The Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies

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References

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