Ancient Pottery Figurine of Child Nurturer Goddess, Roman Empire, Alexandria (1845BHK) $395

Description

This terracotta figurine from Alexandria in the Roman Egypt depicting a female holding a young child was probably placed in a home shrine to provide favors and protection. Although it is difficult to identify specific deities, this figure is probably a kourotrophos (meaning woman nurturing a child) –a female mortal or deity figurine with an infant referred to as a “child nurturer, and also  refers to independent goddesses revered through much of the ancient Greek world. These female deities were also significant cult figure associated with fertility and child protection and care. Most small terracotta figurines created throughout the Roman Empire were hollow bi-valve mold-made objects. After firing the two molded pieces were luted and covered with white or beige slip, and when the slip was dry, was painted bright colors. Since they were applied after firing, pigments rarely survived burial except in small and faded patches, as with this figurine with only small white specks remaining. The pigments, applied after firing, rarely survived burial except in small and faded patches, as with this figurine. This figurine is in good condition given its age and burial status and has been repaired at the base.

Sources

Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World, “Overview:, kourotrophos