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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
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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