Protomes were normally attached as decoration to larger items like horse tack, chariots, domestic items, jewellery boxes or furniture. They are often in the form of a head, bust or half figure, usually depicting characters from Greek and Roman mythology. The abundance of foliage decorating this figure leads us to believe she may be a follower of Dionysus, who was the god of orchards, vegetation, fertility and harvest among other things.
Maenads in Greek Mythology were the female followers of the god Dionysus. They were the most significant followers of his retinue and were often accompanied by Satyrs. The term Maenad came from the Greek ‘maenades’, which translated as ‘mad’ or ‘demented’. They were often referred to as raging or frenzied.
