Appealing terracotta head of a boy
with neatly modeled features. The face shows marked eyelids, a prominent nose
and fleshy lips. The chin with a nice dimple.
Moldmade and reworked with the modeling stick as noticeable with the combed
hair.
The Etruscans knew a great variety of votive terracottas, which they placed in
their temples as thanksgiving offerings or wishes for healing.
Although the large number of votive heads and half-heads found appear to be
related to headaches and migraines, Oberhelman points to a broader range of
problems associated with the head, such as baldness, scabies, eczema, pimples,
and warts, to name some.
Broken at the neck level, excellent condition. Tip of the nose abraded.
H. 17 cm (6.9 in)
H. with stand 24.5 cm (9.6 in)
Swiss private collection, acquired 1987.
Sold 1650 USD |

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Literature: Steven M. Oberhelman. "Anatomical Votive Reliefs as Evidence for
Specialization at Healing Sanctuaries in the Ancient Mediterranean World", pp.
47-62 in: Athens Journal of Health, Vol. 1, Issue 1, March 2014.
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