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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.
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Science Museum: Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries
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Details
- Category:
- Classical & Medieval Medicine
- Object Number:
- A634919
- type:
- votive offering
- taxonomy:
-
- credit:
- Loan, Wellcome Trust
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