Senua
Prior to 2002 the Goddess Senua was unknown and her silver statue rested, buried in the earth, along with a collection of jewellery, coins and
nineteen votive plaques of gold or silver alloy. Five carried her name. A piglet and human cremated remains were buried alongside the
hoard in what is now a farmer’s field at Ashwell, in Hertfordshire.
The statue is thought to be the Goddess Senua, deciphered from the name found inscribed on a silver statue base found adjacent to the statue. The statue is carved in Roman style, though probably by Celtic craftsmen.
On the site of the buried hoard is a natural spring, source of the River Cam. When the area was excavated, post holes were discovered suggesting that a complex of buildings urrounded the spring. This may have been an open air temple with surrounding workshops and accommodation for pilgrims. It is thought that Senua was the Goddess of the spring and the offerings were made to her for healing, requests and thanksgivings.
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/774046
nineteen votive plaques of gold or silver alloy. Five carried her name. A piglet and human cremated remains were buried alongside the
hoard in what is now a farmer’s field at Ashwell, in Hertfordshire.
The statue is thought to be the Goddess Senua, deciphered from the name found inscribed on a silver statue base found adjacent to the statue. The statue is carved in Roman style, though probably by Celtic craftsmen.
On the site of the buried hoard is a natural spring, source of the River Cam. When the area was excavated, post holes were discovered suggesting that a complex of buildings urrounded the spring. This may have been an open air temple with surrounding workshops and accommodation for pilgrims. It is thought that Senua was the Goddess of the spring and the offerings were made to her for healing, requests and thanksgivings.
http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/774046
The Springs, Ashwell
This is one source of the River Cam: water rises out of chalk strata in all but the driest months of the
year.
©
Copyright Paul Shreeve and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
This is one source of the River Cam: water rises out of chalk strata in all but the driest months of the
year.
©
Copyright Paul Shreeve and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
