A Roman Bronze Figurine from Braintree

This figurine was found during excavations prior to the building of the George Yard Shopping Centre in Braintree.

The rider's left arm is positioned to hold reins or a shield, and the right arm is raised. The figurine is not directly associated with a religious context, although it was placed in a pit together with a number of other metal objects, suggesting a deliberate, religiously motivated burial. The style of the figurine might represent a Celtic Mars.