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Cosmetic Grinders
Cosmetic grinders are unique to Britain, where they have been found in dated contexts from the 1st century BC -5th century AD although the majority belong to the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
They are looped for suspension centrally or at one end and the sets comprise of a solid rod like pestle and a grooved mortar, both of which often display signs of wear. The two piece kit is for grinding up small quantities of an unknown commodity – study of associated evidence suggests that this was probably pigments for eye or facial colourings.
There is a great variety in size and decoration, especially on the mortars, some of which have stylised animal head terminals or coloured enamel inlay. Most have been discovered as single finds but there are now known to have been widespread and common.
Five sets have been found in the relatively secure undisturbed context of graves, but within the overall distribution there are concentrations at the south-east towns, western military sites and temple sites.
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