2013/04/08 by Wendy A. Morrison · 1 voice
Social Sciences · Arts and Humanities · #Classical Antiquity Studies #Archaeology and Historical Studies #Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/ojoa.12011
openalex publication_date 2013/04/08 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/05/21
Summary Toiletry sets are often commonplace on rural R omano‐ B ritish sites, leading to speculation that the indigenous population aspired to R oman standards of hygiene and grooming. Artefacts interpreted as cosmetic grinders have been seen as further evidence for body modification for the sake of appearances; these objects are often prominent in discussion of R omanization and identity. Drawing on ethnographic evidence, this paper offers an alternative to the traditional and seemingly unquestioned function of the Pre‐Roman Iron Age ( PRIA )/ R omano‐ B ritish toiletry sets and cosmetic grinders. It is suggested that they may have had a role in the treatment of trachoma, an eye disease which may have been rampant in some areas of R oman B ritain. It is hoped that this view may generate some discussion not only about the artefacts themselves, but also about how we interpret function, often in the face of a real paucity of evidence.