Infant Balsamarium (YORYM:H2407)

This unusual artefact, a balsamarium depicting an infant, was discovered in 1872 during the York Railway Excavations. It is one of only five examples known from Roman Britain and the only example depicting a child. It would most likely have been used as part of a funerary ritual. The metal-work of this unusual piece appears slightly corroded. Unfortunately this is probably the result of chemical treatment by antiquarian collectors attempting to clean the figurine. It has been suggested that balsamarium may have been associated with the cult of Bacchus, demonstrating a connection to religious practices. Source: Objaverse 1.0 / Sketchfab