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Etruscan Votive Head of a Boy, 3rd/2nd Century BC

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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