Medieval Gilded Donkey Figurine, MG 139/025

The domestic donkey has it’s origins in Egypt c. 4000 BC. They quickly became vital in the expansion of trade routes and from Africa their use spread from Syria to Siberia. The Roman Empire relied on the donkeys ability to act as pack animals and navigate routes such as the Silk Road from the second-century BC. Bridles and bridle bits were made of a wide variety of materials including wood, bone, horn, leather and rope. This donkey (H 8cm) is a gilded bronze figurine wearing a bridle of browband, noseband, cheek-strap and throat-strap. A hole in its back halfway between the shoulder blade and the hip suggests a removable saddle or pannier. A large area of the body, underneath the area covered by a saddle or pannier is no longer gilded but it is not clear if this is through wear. The four hooves are clearly defined and the long tail hangs straight down. The ears sit up straight and the mouth is clearly defined. Two opposing holes on either side of his mouth suggest a bit and reins may have been attached. The gilding is mostly present and in good condition although there are patches, including his tail which are worn.