Aion of Hedderneheim

TNMM 238 ↔ CIMRM 1134 & 1138

This statuette was reconstructed from two fragments previously not identified as related: a so-called Aion linv. α 9222) and a so-called Vulcan (inv. X 16185). The association was made on the basis of similarities in style, technique, craftsmanship and material, and in the dimensions of the cross-sections of the torso. However, the two fragments do not join and the restored figure seems slightly disproportionate.

Fragment 1, found ’in a bath and put on sale in Bonn in 1823, consists of a human torso and the head of a lion. Traces of white paint survive on the head and body, while red paint appears on the head and mane. The right arm is missing. The stump was evened out by sawing just below the shoulder. The body was likewise evened out with a saw. The raised left hand holds a ’stick’ broken at both ends.

Fragment 2, which was unearthed in Mithraeum IlI in 1893, features the lower part of a human body positioned on a socle. The right leg and left foot are preserved. The figure is dressed in a loincloth and boots. Beside the left leg is found the lower part of a slightly curved, concave rectangle (6.5 x 3 cm), identified as the end of a fire shovel. Beside the right leg is found a pedestal (or altar?) of approximately 6 cm in height, on which is positioned an object with a round handle, the form of which corresponds to that of Roman bells.

A third fragment, today lost, was also discovered in Mithraeum Ill in 1893. It consisted of part of a bent right arm. The closed hand squeezed the handle of an object that was rounded at the lower end, while the fracture point above the hand had a square cross-section.

Fragment of a statue in greyish sandstone (H. 0.245). Formerly at Bonn, now at Frankfurt. Found at Heddernheim in Roman Terms.

Leo: standing man with a lion head, naked except for a coat around the hips and boots. In the raised left handle of the incense scoop, in the right the rest of a stick. Next to the right foot a platform with a bell.

Upper part of the naked body of Aion with lion’s head. In his upraised left hand he holds a key. His right arm is broken off at the shoulder. In his mouth traces of red colour. A piece of iron at the back was meant to attach it to a wall.