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

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Terracotta votive figurine representing seated woman suckling
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

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