3 ½ foot in diameter, probably pine, hand carved scene from antiquity depicting Mithras and the bull, the round carvings decorated the circus wagons and were placed accordingly usually from four to eight roundels, most carvings recalled stories from antiquity and the middles ages, but patriotic examples are seen on Victorian cabinet cards like the shield of the union and American eagle; c. 1850-1900 America or Great Britain, PT Barnum to Lord George Sanger, perfect condition. This piece is a great decorative object related to the early circus as well as recalling antiquity. The carving depicts Mithras slaying the bull, while the snake and dog also attack the wounded animal. Mithraism was practiced through the early Roman Empire and is connected with worship of the sun, later replaced by sol Invictus, generally related to animal sacrifice.

Excellent condition, very heavy piece of wood.