The described artifact is a zoomorphic figurine in the shape of a crocodile, cast in copper alloy. The craftsmanship is impressive, with attention to detail in rendering the crocodile's body, including its neck, head, and tail, which rises from a flat underbelly. The tail curves and tapers, reaching a maximum height of 27.7mm above the flat underside. The legs of the crocodile are bent back, and each foot ends in three toes. The upper surface of the body features intricate decoration meant to depict the animal's leathery skin. This includes two longitudinal grooves crossed by numerous transverse grooves, creating a pattern of irregular squares and rectangles.
The flanks and legs of the crocodile are decorated with a punched circular pattern, although the decoration is not entirely symmetrical. The raised head tapers to a snout, with detailed teeth in an open jaw and raised eye features. The figurine displays a greyish-green patina, with brighter areas of corrosion on the head, tail, and flanks. Some of these corroded areas have spots of orange-brown corrosion product showing through.
One interesting aspect of this figurine is the suggestion that it might have been soldered to another surface, possibly as part of a larger scene or composition. However, it can also function as a standalone piece of art.
The artifact's craftsmanship and the slight inaccuracies in the rendering of the crocodile's features, particularly the head, suggest a certain antiquity. It is most likely of Roman origin. The Romans had a fascination with and reverence for various deities, including Sobek, the Egyptian crocodile god, who was associated with the River Nile. This crocodile figurine could have been linked to such religious or cultural beliefs during the Roman period.