This partial Roman head, dating to 50-31 BC, was excavated from Santa Cornelia in Rome.

It was embedded in the wall of a church which was later converted into a monastery. The head was probably from a Republic-era ancient Roman sarcophagus (coffin). 

Half heads were often placed either side of the sarcophagus. These heads were made in bulk, and then altered to suit the features of the individual being buried.