| 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