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This is a small toy figurine dating to between AD 1550 and 1700, recently found by a metal-detectorist near Azerley in North Yorkshire. Measuring approximately 4cm by 2cm (1.6in by 0.8in) and made of lead, it is incomplete but takes the form of a woman. A second piece of lead was found within 10m (30ft) of the first, and may represent a part of this toy or of a second, similar one.
The surviving portion of the female figurine includes the woman’s head, torso, and one arm. The head is three dimensional, with pellet eyes and a projecting nose, while the 2D hair is shaped into six lobes around the face and then falls straight to the shoulders, which are flat. The torso is also two-dimensional, except for two large pellets at the top of the body, which might represent breasts. It tapers into almost a point at the waist and is decorated with cross-hatching. The surviving arm is bent to follow the line of the torso and is also decorated with cross-hatching. A dome at the back of the head is connected to the thick rib that forms the neck, and the figure’s back is decorated in a similar way to its front.
The second piece of lead that was found is triangular in shape, with cross hatching on one side. It may be the top of a skirt or one corner of a dress. It has a slightly different patina than the main figure, though, which could suggest it is part of a different toy.
Similar toys have been recorded by the Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) including, most notably, an example found near Hawsker-cum-Stainsacre in North Yorkshire (search for SWYOR-3C7953 on the PAS database) and another in the East Riding of Yorkshire (LANCUM-75EEB5). A particular concentration is seen around Whitby in North Yorkshire, suggesting that this may have been where they were produced. For more information about this toy, see https://finds.org.uk/pas/recorded-find/SWYOR-CCCBC2 or search for SWYOR-CCCBC2 on the PAS database.
The Portable Antiquities Scheme is an initiative to encourage the recording of archaeological objects found by members of the public in England and Wales. For more information on the Scheme, and to browse its database of almost 1.8 million finds, visit https://finds.org.uk. Information on this find was provided by Amy Downes – Finds Liaison Officer for South and West Yorkshire.
Text: Kathryn Krakowka / Image: West Yorkshire Archaeology Advisory Service
