Votive offering showing a mother breastfeeding a child, Roman, 300 BCE-100 CE

Made:
300 BCE-100 CE in Roman Empire
Votive figure, mother suckling infant, mother seated

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Votive figure, mother suckling infant, mother seated
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Votive figure, mother suckling infant, mother seated, terracotta, Roman, 300BC-100AD

Votive offerings were given to the gods either in the hope of a cure or as thanks for one and were made in the shape of the afflicted body part. This terracotta figure shows a mother breast feeding her child. The figure may have been given in thanks for the safe delivery of a child.

A large number of the votive offerings in the Wellcome collection are in the shape of reproductive organs, reflecting a society that placed great emphasis on fertility but which also ran great risks in pregnancy and childbirth.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A634990
Materials:
terracotta
Measurements:
overall: 155 mm x 50 mm x 67 mm, .16 kg
type:
votive offering