'Roman' or 'native' bodies in Britain: the evidence of late Roman nail-cleaner strap-ends

Eckardt, H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9288-5624 and Crummy, N. (2006) 'Roman' or 'native' bodies in Britain: the evidence of late Roman nail-cleaner strap-ends. Oxford Journal of Archaeology, 25 (1). pp. 83-103. ISSN 0262-5253 doi: 10.1111/j.1468-0092.2006.00250.x

Abstract/Summary

This paper reviews late Roman `nail-cleaner strap-ends', a group of objects first discussed by Hawkes and Dunning (1961). The precise function of these objects is unclear as their shape suggests use as toilet instruments but the split socket suggests that they were part of belt-fittings. We suggest a detailed typology and discuss the dating evidence and the spatial distribution of the type. Regardless of their precise function, it is argued in this paper that nail-cleaner strap-ends of this type are unique to late Roman Britain and thus represent a distinct regional type. The use of nail-cleaner strap-ends can be viewed in the context of gender associations, military status and religious beliefs.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/3491
Item Type	Article
Divisions	Science > School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science > Department of Archaeology Science > School of Archaeology, Geography and Environmental Science > Social Archaeology
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