Lead Votive Figurines

Laconian 7th-5th century BC
Small flat votive figurines of cast lead have been found in great quantities at the ancient sanctuaries of Laconia; over one hundred thousand, dating from the 7th century BC to the Classical period, were dedicated to the goddess Artemis Orthia in Sparta.  Displayed here are the goddess Athena and winged Artemis Orthia (above), women, Athena and warriors (center), and deer, goat, a lion, sphionxes, a flautist, horses, and a running figure (below).  Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The winter has been too long and the blues of February were not leaving me.  The only cure - a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Beautiful relics of past civilizations.  When my mom took me to the museum when I was a very little girl I was most impressed with the arms and armor, but the last time I was there Arms and Armor was closed!  After a visit to the ancient Greek and Roman section (the universal cure), on to arms and armor!



( more arms and armor... )