Miniature objects in the hands of women – on the so-called Mithrassymbole

Abstract

The so-called Mithrassymbole are small bronze objects found in Roman female burials mostly in the area of Cologne. The interpretations of these artefacts, though covering a wide range of religious and profane ideas, remain unsatisfactory. A comparison with some other unusual female grave-goods in the area leads to the conclusion that they can be considered as some kind of collector’s items. The biggest set from Cologne-Rodenkirchen covers large parts of the equipment of a Roman farmhouse, others only smaller components. Therefore, women and girls seem to have collected  the items for the purpose of reflecting the Roman ideal of farming, and were buried with them. Other than that, it is possible, but as yet without evidence, that they have been considered amulets. In future neutral terms should be used instead of »Mithrassymbole«.