During the Roman Empire, horses were extremely important for battle, as well as for aspects of everyday life, such as transportation, hunting, farming, and chariot racing. The Romans associated the horse with the spoils of war, connecting it symbolically with power, victory, honour, domination, and virility. In Graeco-Roman mythology and culture, the horse was said to have been created by Poseidon (Neptune) and devoted to Hades (Pluto) and Ares (Mars). The Romans also believed the horse to be a symbol of the continuity of life, and would sacrifice a horse to the god Mars every October, keeping its tail through the winter as a sign of fertility and rebirth.
Romano-Egyptian Terracotta Horse Head
£ 175.00
A Romano-Egyptian terracotta, hollow-moulded head fragment of a horse figurine. The animal has been carefully rendered to display its wide neck, short muzzle, large eyes and rounded ears. The mane runs down the back of neck with linear carvings defining the hair. The head has been modelled in a two-part mould: traces of the joining seam can be seen at the mid-way point vertically.
The piece is supplied with a custom-made stand.
Provenance: Ex Dr Magdy UK collection, acquired 1970’s.
Condition: Fine condition with slight earthly encrustations to the surface. Part of the neck now missing. Facial features partly worn consistent with age. Measurements of the head itself; 7.6cm in height, 5.5cm in length, 3.8cm in width.
SOLD
| Weight | 103.1 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | L 7.3 x W 4.3 x H 12.4 cm |
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| Pottery and Porcelain |
