Watch List notes:

Roman Period Terracotta Toy Dovecote. A precise date of origin is uncertain. Fashioned of terracotta, this is a miniature version of the sort of columbaria, or dovecotes, used by the ancient Romans for housing pigeons or doves. As early as the Republican Period, similar structures, constructed underground, were adapted for the purpose of storing the cremated ashes of the deceased. Our example is four-sided, with square base narrowing toward the top, and one vertically oriented column of 5-8 perforations along each face of the structure. Intact, with just some minor chipping around the edges of the perforations. Height: 9". Estimate Value $300 - 400
Ex Living Torah Museum collection; ex David Liebert collection.