Depictions of human figures are sometimes found as graffiti, either as full length figures, or as heads/faces.
Many examples of human figures, such as those at Troston (Suffolk), consist of medieval figures with hands raised in attitudes of prayer, and are clearly devotional in nature, whereas others are more ambiguous. Many of the faces appear stylised to the point of caricature, and it is difficult to suggest that these have any devotional meaning.
At Marsham (Norfolk) there is a small and crudely executed scene at the base of one of the piers depicting two figures. The first, shown with sword and shield, is clearly meant to be a knight or soldier, while that opposite appears to be a beast or dragon. The dragon figure, however, has a fringe instead of feet, so may represent a medieval player in costume, with the scene being from a medieval mummers play. Perhaps even a play enacted in the same church.
So far, in Devon, a number of ‘stick’ type figures have been found. Some have notable features, such as one with very large hands, perhaps suggesting that it may represent a being from folklore or other story. There are also examples of profile heads, one of early 20th century date and wearing a military cap.
