Collections Online
Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales
Advanced Search
Roman copper alloy furniture fitting, Medusa mask
Furniture fitting in the shape of a Medusa mask, incomplete.
It has been suggested that this type of boss or stud was to adorn the chest and shoulders of soldiers, perhaps in pairs joined by long chains. They could have been worn in a similar fashion to phalerae which were large discs awarded as medals are nowadays for distinguished conduct.
Source: Isca Silurum or, An illustrated catalogue of the Museum of Antiquities at Caerleon by John Edward Lee. Caerleon (Wales). Museum of Antiquities; 1862.
Collection Area
Item Number
Find Information
Site Name: Caerleon, Newport: Gwent