Fragment with Relief Decoration

The front of the plate and curving section are covered by extensive relief decoration that is unfortunately difficult to interpret. The plate has a raised rim around the edge, which is interrupted by the transverse bar. In the area above the bar is a Phrygian cap with horizontal rays or perhaps a half-shell behind it. The lower section has a man, seated with his legs to the left, head frontal, torso in three quarter view. He wears a cloak, clasped over the right shoulder, that leaves his torso bare; there is also some drapery across his left hip. On his head, he has perhaps a laurel crown or a turban. The facial features are worn and indistinct, but some musculature is clear on the arms, torso, and legs. He rests his left hand on a shield with a circular boss or a large patera on the ground. His right arm is upraised grasping a sword, staff, or standard.

There are four other standard-like objects to the left of the figure and one to the right. Also to the right are what appear to be banners or sails. He may be sitting on a pile of arms. The thin curved section is pointed at the top, expanding and then tapering down to the transverse bar, where it ends in a slightly curving projection. It is decorated with vegetal patterns, including flowers, leaves, and berries on either side of an oval with a central four-petaled rosette. There is some additional decoration (of indeterminate pattern) on either end.

The transverse bar has a simple raised border at the top and bottom; it expands toward the center and then narrows. The flat end is decorated by a raised leaf or feather. The object is smooth and featureless on the back, except for the slight twist in the transverse bar at the point where it attaches to the thin curving section.

Lisa M. Anderson