Roman Silver Finger Ring Sacred to TOT god Totatis

Code: 10407

This is a Romano British silver finger ring, dating to the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. The ring is of a Henig Type VIII, with rounded bezel inscribed with the letters "TOT". The letter 'T's are serifed and the letter 'o' in oval. The inscription is regarded as an abbreviation of the Celtic god-name Toutatis/Totatis, a deity who was often conflated with the Roman god Mars (M. Henig and J. Ogden, Antiquaries Journal 67, 1987, 366-7; A. Daubney, 'The cult of Totatis: evidence for tribal identity in mid-Roman Britain', in S. Worrell et al.(eds), A Decade of Discovery, British Archaeological Reports, Brit. Ser. 520 (Archaeopress, Oxford, 2010), 201 - 207). 'ToT' rings are well known in the East Midlands, especially in Lincolnshire where the majority have been found. See also LIN-DF32B4, NLM-2089B1, and LEIC-D6B504 for further examples and discussion. 

This is an excellent example of the type, with good silver, no cracks/damage and can still be worn again today.

OBJECT: Finger Ring

CULTURE: Roman

DATE: c. 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

MATERIAL: Silver / debased

RING SIZE:  5 1/2 (US)   L (UK)

SIZE: 19mm x 21mm x 2mm (bezel 10mm x 1mm)

WEIGHT: 3 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. Private collection Essex.