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Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona

Articulated ivory doll

Articulated ivory doll, found in the Palaeo-Christian necropolis, 3rd-4th centuries, ivory, 23 × 6,5 × 1.5 cm. Palaeo-Christian Necropolis and Museum, Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona.

Articulated ivory doll, found in the Palaeo-Christian necropolis, 3rd-4th centuries, ivory, 23 × 6,5 × 1.5 cm. Palaeo-Christian Necropolis and Museum, Museu Nacional Arqueològic de Tarragona.

An ivory doll, with articulated arms and legs, found in the sarcophagus of a girl at the Palaeo-Christian necropolis of Tarragona.

It was among the grave goods of a girl who died aged about 5. Other examples have come down to us of articulated Roman dolls made from a range of materials (bone, ivory and especially ceramic). Traces of gold thread found alongside the doll confirm that they were dressed in clothes that imitated those of children and adults.

It is one of the most outstanding archaeological finds in Tarraco.

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07. Offerings and rituals

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07. Ofrenes i rituals

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