Statuette of a stag

In this rare and beautiful bronze statuette of a stag the mane is finely detailed, and it has a dark grey-green patina. Beneath its erect antlers are recessed eye-sockets, which would once have been filled by some precious or decorative stone. It was found immediately to the north of Brighton by a metal detector enthusiast. Stags have often been represented in European and Asian art, generally appearing as victims, the quarry of huntsmen, or of other animals. In early Britain this stag was probably used as a cult object in a temple. Three legs are damaged.