Votive offering, left ear

Made:
200 BCE-100 CE in Roman Empire
Votive right ears, bronze, Roman, 200BC-100AD. Grey background.

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Votive right ears, bronze, Roman, 200BC-100AD. Grey background.
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Votive left ear, bronze, Roman, 200 BC - 100 BCE

Votive offerings were presented to a god, either in the hope of a cure or as thanks for one. They were made in the shape of the afflicted body part – in this case a person’s ear. They may have been experiencing deafness or infection. Made from bronze, the ear is now coated with chemical compounds formed from corrosion (called bronze disease), which gives it a green appearance. The use of bronze may indicate a wealthy owner as most votives were made from terracotta.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A634919
Materials:
bronze
Measurements:
overall: 13 mm x 32 mm x 55 mm, 0.06kg
type:
votive offering
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust