Currently not on view
Votive uterus,
3rd–2nd century BCE
Etruscan
2000-344
More Context
Special Exhibition
Thousands of molded clay objects like this have been found in sanctuaries in central Italy and Etruria dating from the third and second centuries B.C. Their identification as wombs—uteri—is maintained against a wider backdrop of anatomical votive clay offerings—feet, hands, eyes, entire gastrointestinal tracts. It is assumed that women dedicated these wombs to goddesses who could help them in childbirth, or with related gynecological maladies. This widespread interpretation does not explain why these corded objects do not really look like wombs, which most ancient people would never have seen.
Information
Title
Votive uterus
Dates
3rd–2nd century BCE
Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
5.2 x 12.2 x 7.9 cm (2 1/16 x 4 13/16 x 3 1/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, Classical Purchase Fund
Object Number
2000-344
Culture
Type
Materials
Subject
Acquired by Fortuna Fine Arts, Ltd. (New York), at an unknown date from an unknown source; purchased by the Museum (Classical Purchase Fund) in 2000 from Fortuna Fine Arts.
