OBSERVATIONS ON A BRONZE FIGURE OF A BULL, FOUND IN CORNWALL.
The accompanying engraving represents the figure of a small bronze bull, obtained by the Rev. J. Buller, at St. Just, near Penwyth. It is of the same dimensions as the original, and is nearly complete, one hoof only being broken. At the feet were small pins or plugs, to affix it to a stand or base, either a pedestal or the top of a small standard, of which it may have been the decoration. It will be perceived on inspection that the animal is decorated with certain emblems: on the head is a disk, apparently divided into six portions; and on the right side of the body of the animal is engraved the lunar crescent. I was unable, however, to detect the inverted triangular mark on the forehead, which is often allied with the disk as emblem of the Egyptian Apis.
The local interest attached to this specimen, which some have conjectured to be of Phœnician workmanship, has induced me to pass in review some of the principal points under which it may be considered. The Phœnicians, whose reputation for extensive trade, enterprising voyages, and skilful arts, has descended to us, invested with a legendary halo, through the Hebrew, the Greek, and the Roman writers, have, comparatively speaking, left no monumental remains
