Bidspirit auction | Etruscan Terracotta Votive Hand

Etruscan Terracotta Votive Hand - Circa 4th century B.C. Hollow-formed model hand with fingers held straight together. See de Grummond, Religion of the Etruscans, for discussion. 430 grams, 20.5 cm (8 in.). Old private collection, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.Acquired from Agora Auctions, Auction 60, no.417.Property of a South Australian private collector, with collection reference 16.03.Accompanied by detailed collector's catalogue pages including description and images. Votives of an anatomical nature began in the Hellenistic or late Classical period, where they were associated with healing and with fertility.The red pigment on the votive suggests that it was provided by a male; female hands were white or pink. The votives were provided to visitors at the temple, and were disposed of over time.