Miniature iron axe — adze — Votive Dolabra

Description

Iron, Iron Age / Roman (c. 100 BC -- 300 AD): Miniature iron tools appear in La Tène (Celtic) contexts but become very common in the Roman period. Votive Significance: - Military Votive: A retiring soldier might dedicate a miniature of his primary tool to Mars or Minerva to thank them for surviving his service. - Agricultural Votive: Farmers would offer miniature tools to Saturn or Sylvanus to ensure a good harvest or protect their boundaries. It represents the sacralization of labor---offering a symbol of one's work to the gods.