Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleFigurine

About this objectTerracotta head of a woman, which would have been part of a figure that was made as a votive offering. Made from a worn mould; it was manufactured from a two-part mould but the reverse has no detailed modelling. There are no remaining traces of slip or paint, but it is likely to have been decorated when originally produced.

The head is that of a female wearing a diadem or crown. The facial features are treated simply. The hair is dressed in so-called melon style, that is, with a series of waves running back from the face, seemingly with hanging curls at the sides.

Although the facial features seem archaic, this is due to the simplicity demanded by the head's small size. The hairstyle would indicate a date in the third century BCE, but one may note that it is relatively unusual to have hanging side hair in combination with melon hairstyle. The centre of manufacture is uncertain: possibly South Italy, more likely Boeotia and belonging to the general category of Tanagras.

Date Madeca. 3rd Century BCE

PeriodEarly Hellenistic

Place MadeMediterranean Region

Place NotesLikely Boeotia, possibly South Italy

Medium and MaterialsClay: Terracotta

Style and IconographyTanagra figurines

TechniqueMolding (forming)

MeasurementsHeight 45mm

Subject and Association KeywordsClothing and dress

Subject and Association KeywordsWomen in art

Subject and Association KeywordsSocial life and customs

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and religion

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by Mrs Broadhead, 1968. From the collection of H.D. Broadhead.

Object TypeFigurine

Object number92.68