Votive figure showing a woman breast feeding a child, Italy, 350-50 BCE

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.