Dear Anne,

  I am aware of a similar pipe clay figurine of a kingly figure from a
mid-17th century context on Staten Island.  It too is headless.  The man
is holding an orb in one hand.  Let me know, off list, is you would like
a picture.

All the best,

Rich Veit

"A. Grulich" wrote:

> Any information on 17-18c pipe clay figurines would be
> appreciated.
>
> I am working on a case study of a pipe clay figurine
> recovered from a late 17c archaeological site in Southern
> Maryland, USA.  Several similar pipeclay figurines have been
> recovered from sites in England, the Netherlands, and other
> colonial American sites.  These pipe clay figurines appear
> in the form of cherubs, lions, madonnas, kings, and
> gentlemen.
>
> The artifact I am examining is the torso of a royal figure
> clad in armor and cape, holding an orb and sword.  The torso
> is 6 inches high, 3 inches wide, and weighs 570 grams.
> Thus far, none of the kingly figurines I am aware of have
> their heads, but there is a complete image in relief on a
> pipe bowl of a very similar king with crown. (I will forward
> images of the figurine to anyone who is interested.)
>
> I am interested in connecting the figurine with its
> inspiration - perhaps in an engraving or other illustration,
> as well as in the appearance of these sorts of figurines in
> the backgrounds of paintings.  I am curious about the
> relationship between the pipe making molds with the figurine
> making molds, and the process of making these figures with
> this clay.
>
> Lastly, have you found pipe clay figurines on your
> archaeological sites?
>
> Thanks for your help.
> Anne Grulich
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