Bull (?) or Pig (?)
Daten.d.
MediumEarthenware with cold-painted decoration
DimensionsHeight: 3 1/16 x 4 5/16 in. (7.8 x 11 cm)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Carl E. Buck, 1966
Object number1967.115.447
Status
Not on viewBull figurines in lead, bronze and terracotta represent the largest group of votives found at the ancient shrine of the Kabirion near Thebes; they were consistently dedicated over several centuries and can be very plain this or elaborately decorated, sometimes featuring dedicatory inscriptions. Through the sheer numbers found at the sites, these figurines could be considered the defining votive for the Kabirion sanctuary and its deities Kabiros and Pais. The profusion of bull imagery suggests that bull sacrifice figured prominently in the rituals.
Smart Publications:
The Classical Collection
n.d.
late 3rd - 2nd century B.C.E.
2nd century B.C.E.
late 2nd - early 1st century B.C.E.
late 6th - early 5th century B.C.E.
circa 350 B.C.E.
circa 480 - 470 B.C.E.
circa last quarter of 5th century B.C.E.
early - mid 5th century B.C.E.
circa early 5th century B.C.E.