Romano-British Bronze Owl Candlestick
1st-2nd century A.D. Comprising a stylised owl figurine standing on a flared base, with incised feather detailing to the wings, legs and body, recessed eyes to accept glass inserts (one absent); fitted with a separately modelled cowl or hood with incised detail to the breast, topped with a conical finial to accept a candle. Cf. similar owl figurine found in the Cotswolds and recorded with the PAS under reference. GLO-452F33, published in Current Archaeology, 1st June 2022; M.J. Green Corpus of Small Cult-Objects from the Military Areas of Roman Britain, BAR British Series, Oxford, 1978. 70 grams, 10.5 cm (4 1/8 in.).

Acquired in the 1980s. From the Belgian collection of Mr D.S. of Flemu. Property of a North London, UK, gentleman.

The owl was the symbol of the Goddess Minerva in Roman tradition. Her name is linked etymologically to the English word 'mind' and she was considered to be the source of human intellect, patron of wisdom, crafts and sciences. The base of the figurine has been bent laterally as if to mount it on a post or rail.