| Tom E. de Rijk |
Figure 2. The Matilo mask( Photo courtesy of © National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden).
Research methodology To answer the research question, the character of this possible deposition will be examined. This is done by describing the mask, the stratigraphy of its find location, and by discussing the items that are associated with the mask. If the results are indicative of a deposition of the Matilo mask, then this might be explicable by the concept of liminality.
From the comprehensive description of all finds, associated with the Matilo mask, by de Rijk( 2015) a selection will be made for material culture categories that are indicative of potentially ritualistic finds( cf. Martens 2004, 132-148). Yet, as is stated by Hill( 1995, 125) all archaeological material is special, because it has escaped the normal processes of destruction. That is why all the finds associated with the mask are presented in a table as well. The find categories comprise ceramics, animal bones, and metal finds, materials which have also frequently been found in ritual deposits in the Middle-Dutch river area( cf. Nicolay 2007, 85; cf. Roymans 1990, 77-80). Ceramics with graffiti are discussed to discover whether they convey information about the nature of the cavalry mask. In this article the specific pottery types will not be related to ritual activity, as was done by Martens( 2004, 133), but the specifically dateable ceramics will be used to see if the material from the mask layer is contemporary with the mask. Horse bones are discussed because these were interpreted as a part of a ritual, and because horse bones have often been found in Roman ritual deposits( Lauwerier and Robeerst 1998, 23; Martens 2004, 139). Lastly, metal finds are also presented, since in the Roman period metal was often reused( Roest 1994, 154-158). Bronze objects( e. g. helmets), coins, and iron objects( e. g. weapons) are also frequently part of Roman ritual deposits( Martens 2004, 142-144; Nicolay 2007, 85; Roymans 1990, 77-80). Therefore, it would be remarkable if p. 16 | VOL II | INTER-SECTION | 2016