When The Tide Recedes

My Dad was visiting London, so for something a little different I decided to take him mudlarking along the River Thames foreshore. When the tide recedes, as is well known, many interesting coins and artefacts can be recovered from this zone.

- Jason Sandy, London

As if to confirm that point, we were walking at low tide along the river’s edge, when we noticed a small object lying amongst the stones. As I carefully picked it up, we realised that it was a delicately carved piece of bone. After showing it to the Museum of London, the Finds Liaison Officer confirmed that it was actually a Roman carved bone hairpin. At the top a female bust is depicted with an unusually large hat or headdress. At least, that’s what I thought it was.