Unknown Maker, Greek

Seated and standing goddesses were common subjects for terra cotta figures in the Archaic Period. Although the function of these objects remains elusive, this bust and others with similar characteristics were most likely used as votive figures representing the Greek goddesses Demeter and/or Persephone. Votive figures are gifts offered to the gods in thanksgiving for blessings received or as incentives for desired outcomes. Such pieces were typically molded as two hollow parts, front and back, then joined. RISD's bust is composed of a front only, suggesting that it may have been placed on a shelf in a god's sanctuary.

The bust fills a gap in the Museum's collection of ancient terra cottas, most of which come from the Greek mainland and date to the 7th, early 6th, and post-5th centuries BC. Of special interest to our audience of RISD students and faculty is that this work clearly illustrates the molding techniques used to make terra cotta figures in the late 6th century BC.