Description:

Ancient Greece, ca. 4th century BCE. Two hollow-cast terracotta petite pig figurines, one with minimal the other with substantive white pigment remains, both similar to the numerous ceramic pig figurines found at the sacred ancient ritual site of Eleusis near Athens. The Eleusinian Mysteries were the most famous of the so called Mystery Cults revolving around a theme centered upon Demeter, the agrarian goddess, and her daughter the goddess Persephone whom Hades abducted and took to the underworld at Eleusis. This was a secret cult that involved initiation rites and focused on purification, the revelation of sacred words and objects, and the fervent belief in the rebirth of the soul symbolized by the return of life every Spring. Interestingly, a crack in the earth at Eleusis is believed to have marked the precise spot where Hades carried Persephone down to the underworld. Devotees sacrificed pigs and/or left terracotta pig figurines as offerings at this spot. Size: each measures approximately 2.75" L x 1.25" W x 1.5" H (7 cm x 3.2 cm x 3.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex- Private New Jersey collection acquired before 1990

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#112930

  • Condition: Intact with expected surface wear and pigment loss. Overall excellent.

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March 31, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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