Casgliadau Arlein

Large boar's tusk pierced by a 6mm circular hole at its root. No trace of copper alloy binding survives. According to MacGregor (1985, 109) boar's tusks worn as amulets were particularly popular with German mercenaries who wore them in pairs held by bronze or silver sheaths. Some examples from Richborough are illustrated in Hawkes and Dunning 1961, fig 105. Boon discusses an example from the 1920 excavation at Segontium (1975, 62-4), drawing attention to the relationship between boars' tusks and Diana, goddess of hunting and the moon, He ends his note with a comment on the lack of such amulets from Hadrian's Wall. However, severeal are now known from fort sites in the area, and in particular , a group of five from Coventina's Well, Carrawburch, all showing traces of bronze sheaths (Allason-Jones and McKay 1985, Nos 118-22) Condition: fragile, badly cracked.