This ceramic ‘pipeclay’ figurine forms part of an early Roman burial known as the ‘Child’s Grave’. It is one of ten figurines of comic old men included in the grave, unique in Britain. They would have been made in Gaul, modern day France, and imported to Colchester. The figurine has a bald, slightly pointed head and large outturned ears. He is seated in a chair and holds a tray, on which there is a scroll. These figurines are mysterious – they have been interpreted as caricatures of learned men, such as philosophers or teachers, or comic diners. Alternatively, they may represent mimes or reciters at a banquet. The person buried in the grave also remains a mystery. The burial has been interpreted as that of a child, as well as an ex-legionary soldier or a travelling actor.
