Votive figure showing a woman breast feeding a child, Italy, 350-50 BCE
- Made:
- 350 BCE-50 BCE in Italy
Terracotta votive figurine representing seated woman suckling child, Greek influence probably from Southern Italy, 350BC-50BC
Votive offerings are symbolic body parts presented to a god, either in the hope of a cure or as thanks for one. This figure shows a mother breastfeeding her child. The offering may have been given in thanks by a mother for her child, possibly due to infertility or as thanks for the safe delivery of a child – pregnancy and childbirth were risky and had high death rates. This figure shows some Greek influence in design but is probably from Southern Italy.
Details
- Category:
- Classical & Medieval Medicine
- Collection:
- Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
- Object Number:
- A655612
- Materials:
- earthenware (terracotta)
- type:
- votive offering
- credit:
- Godson