Mars

Terracotta mould (probably made from local brickearth) bearing the impression of a decorated cheekpiece from a cavalry helmet. The impression of the central figure of Mars, the cabling surrounding him (which delineates the decorated field), the two bordered cusps, and part of the stylized 'ear' - features common to such helmets - are all readily discernible. A right-hand cheekpiece was used to make the mould and an impression shows that the Mars figure, traditionally depicted in muscled cuirass with round or oval shield with radial decoration and holding a spear in the crook of his right arm, is wearing an Etrusco-Corinthian helmet with crest. He also appears to be wearing greaves and is standing on the customary small portion of ground.