A Roman bust from Västra Vång:a comparative study investigating the context in which the bust was created

Abstract: The aim of this thesis was by a comparative study investigate the small Roman bust found in Västra Vång to increase the understanding of the context is which it was created. The comparative study was leaning on two hypotheses; that the bust was depicted with a so-called melon coiffure and that the bust was a depiction of a barbarian. Two catalogues was created on the basis of these hypotheses to be used as comparative material in the analysis. The first catalogue contained portraits of melon coiffures while the other contained depictions of barbarians in minor art. Both a comparative method and an iconographical method were used. The concept of hybridity in Roman provincial art was considered for the discussion about the hairstyle. The results from the two comparative studies was somewhat mixed, where the first catalogue could provide a general picture of the melon coiffure while the second catalogue were more difficult to draw conclusions from as the material varied. In conclusions it was possible to say that the Vång-bust’s hair was a misunderstood melon coiffure created in a hybrid context within a province. The Vång-bust could also be interpreted as a barbarian created in a positive manner and thereby be an attractive object beyond the Roman limes.