This small bronze head was found in 2000 during excavations at the Roman bath house at Tripontium by Rugby Archaeological Society. It is thought to represent Mercury, the Roman God of Trade, because of its similarities to a statue of Mercury found at Uley in Gloucestershire. The figure is hollow, suggesting it may have been used as a decorative fixing or finial.
The control of religion was one of the main methods by which the Romans successfully conquered new territories, often merging their own gods with local deities. A well-known example of this is Sulis Minerva at Bath, where the Celtic goddess Sulis was combined with the Roman goddess Minerva. This blending of beliefs helped local people to accept Roman occupation.
Little is known about gods who were native to Britain before the Roman occupation. However, this bronze head shows both Celtic and Roman influence. Its simple, stylised design is typical of Celtic art, while the identification of the figure as Mercury reflects Roman religious influence. You can now see it in the Archaeology Gallery at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum now.