ostracon ancient art
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Etruscan Votive Ear, ex Moshe Dayan, 4th-2nd Century BC

Anatomical votive offering in the form of an ear.

Frontally molded and reworked with the modeling tool.

The Etruscans knew a great variety of votive terracottas, which they placed in their temples as thanksgiving offerings or wishes for healing.

Votive ears referred to diseases of the ear, but may have also been a request to the god to hear the prayers of the supplicant.

Intact and fine. Coarse terracotta with good detail and light mineral deposits.

H. 5.2 cm (2 in)

Ex collection of Moshe Dayan (1915-1981), Israel. Conveyed directly to his friend Ervin Harvith in 1973.

Sold 850 USD

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.