Ancient Roman Bone Tool from a Craft Workshop (No reserve price)
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Roman Bone Tool from a Craft Workshop, dating to the 1st–4th century AD, made of worked animal bone, 82 mm long and 120 g in weight, in very good condition; acquired from an auction house in 2025 with provenance from France.
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Description from the seller
Roman Bone Tool from a Craft Workshop
Culture: Roman Empire
Date: 1st–4th century AD
Material: Worked animal bone
Dimensions: Length 82 mm
Weight: 120 g
Description
Solid worked bone object carved from a long bone of a large mammal. The piece shows intentional shaping through abrasion and scraping, with a regular external profile and a lateral perforation deliberately executed after the main shaping phase. Its compact proportions and substantial weight exclude ornamental or domestic use.
The morphology is consistent with functional bone implements documented in Roman artisanal and urban workshop contexts, where bone was widely employed for the manufacture of auxiliary tools and technical fittings. Objects of this type are interpreted as pressure elements, puncheons, spacers or working tools associated with specialized craft activities (bone-working, leather-working or mixed artisanal production).
Comparable examples are known from Roman workshop assemblages, particularly in urban centres, where bone tools formed part of the operational equipment rather than finished consumer objects.
Condition
Complete and stable. Surface wear and minor abrasions consistent with age and use. No restorations.
Provenance:
French private collection, assembled before 1970.
References:
Bustamante-Álvarez, M. & Detry, C., Bone-working activities in Roman urban workshops: evidence from Augusta Emerita, Zephyrus, 83, 2019, pp. 157–176.
MacGregor, A., Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn: The Technology of Skeletal Materials since the Roman Period, London, 1985.
Roman Bone Tool from a Craft Workshop
Culture: Roman Empire
Date: 1st–4th century AD
Material: Worked animal bone
Dimensions: Length 82 mm
Weight: 120 g
Description
Solid worked bone object carved from a long bone of a large mammal. The piece shows intentional shaping through abrasion and scraping, with a regular external profile and a lateral perforation deliberately executed after the main shaping phase. Its compact proportions and substantial weight exclude ornamental or domestic use.
The morphology is consistent with functional bone implements documented in Roman artisanal and urban workshop contexts, where bone was widely employed for the manufacture of auxiliary tools and technical fittings. Objects of this type are interpreted as pressure elements, puncheons, spacers or working tools associated with specialized craft activities (bone-working, leather-working or mixed artisanal production).
Comparable examples are known from Roman workshop assemblages, particularly in urban centres, where bone tools formed part of the operational equipment rather than finished consumer objects.
Condition
Complete and stable. Surface wear and minor abrasions consistent with age and use. No restorations.
Provenance:
French private collection, assembled before 1970.
References:
Bustamante-Álvarez, M. & Detry, C., Bone-working activities in Roman urban workshops: evidence from Augusta Emerita, Zephyrus, 83, 2019, pp. 157–176.
MacGregor, A., Bone, Antler, Ivory and Horn: The Technology of Skeletal Materials since the Roman Period, London, 1985.
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
1st–4th century AD
Name of object
Bone Tool from a Craft Workshop
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
