Antiq J 68

A small chalk figurine from Withernsea, N Humberside, is the finest example of a distinctive group found only in the territory of the Parisi. Many represent a warrior, usually carrying a sword; all the swords are in scabbards suspended about their mid-point. Most of the 40-50 examples come from IA or RB sites. Au(adp F B)

Christian iconography is identified in an otherwise pagan hoard connected with the cult of Faunus, and an attempt is made to explain its presence against the background of religious instability in the second half of the 4th century. Au(adp FB)

A sunken-floored hut, used since the early 19th century by a family of bowlturners, is seen as a survival of the Grubenhaus tradition in an area identified as a possible AS villa regalis. The construction and mode of use of the hut may throw light on the structure and function of Grubenhäuser. F B

Recent discoveries at Oxborough and Reading prompt this survey of at least 16 whole or partial examples, several bearing Christian symbols. It is proposed that the tanks are all Christian objects used for the footwashing rite of the baptismal ceremony, a practice in various parts of the Christian world at least up to 6th century. Au(abr)

The proportions of the square are fundamental and based on Greek principles; it exhibits the practical application of the root rectangle and 'The Section', the frequency of use of which can be demonstrated in a number of the fortresses, buildings, and insulae of Roman Britain.

Short articles on: a Roman writing tablet from London (R S O Tomlin); a Roman askos handle from Fishbourne (A Down & M Henig); iron shackles with padlock and chain from the Tyne at Corbridge (F H Thompson); the Shrewsbury bowl of 14th century (the earliest hallmarked piece of English silver) (Marian Campbell); Egyptian blue from the LBA site at Runnymede (S P Needham & M Bimson); a late Roman gold ring and other objects from Richborough (M Henig & Jack Ogden); an RB linch pin from Wootton, Humb S, with apotropaic thumb (K Leahy & M Henig); an RB steelyard weight from Manton, Humb S (the same); med chessman from Habrough, Humb S (of antler) (K Leahy).