Roman votive terracotta face.
Made from terracotta, this votive offering is in the shape of a face with painted features. Votive offerings were given to Greek and Roman healing gods such as Asklepios as a request or thanks for a cure. Votives are usually in the shape of the body part afflicted and give some indication as to what the person was experiencing. In this case, the face-shaped votive may indicate a skin condition. Most votives are made from terracotta but some are made from bronze, indicating a wealthy owner.
Object number:
A634923
Related Themes and Topics
Glossary:
Glossary: votive offering
Objects or monuments donated by an individual for a public place or shrine. The object is usually given in gratitude for deliverance from distress.
Glossary: votive face
An image of a face or faces used as a votive offering