This object, originating from the Roman era and dating to the 4th or early 5th century AD, was discovered during excavations conducted by the Archaeological Section of the Winchester Museum Service at St. Martin's Close, Winnall, Winchester, in 1984-1985.
When found in the grave of a young woman, all that remained of this object was a bone inlay adorned with rings and dots, as the wooden core had deteriorated over the centuries. Nevertheless, researchers were able to reconstruct the casket using photographs of the pieces found next to the deceased's head.
The bone veneer had been affixed to the box using small bone pegs. These pegs still bore traces of decoration, indicating that the box was embellished after its construction. All six sides of the box were veneered, but the lid and base had open areas, similar to a double-sided frame. It is likely that these areas were open from the outset, even before the wood decayed, as they would have allowed the contents of the box to be visible. Inside the box was a heavily decorated deer comb.
Individuals interred in this section of Winchester's eastern Roman cemetery rarely received grave goods. However, when such items were found, they were typically of exceptional quality, indicating the high social status of this community. The burial practices observed in this region bear some resemblance to those seen in Christian cemeteries of the late Roman period in the Mediterranean and Near East, underscoring intriguing cultural connections of the time.