This terracotta figurine, standing at a height of approximately 10 cm, depicts a piglet - a recurring motif in ancient Roman religious iconography. The item's high level of preservation emphasises the level of craftsmanship employed during its manufacture.
The piglet's form is robust and naturalistic, with attention to detail evident in the textured surface, intended to mimic fur, and in each accurately rendered feature from its rounded body to the meticulous depiction of its snout, hooves, and curled tail. Despite the statuette's static nature, the artist has effectively imbued it with a certain vibrancy, suggesting a nuanced understanding of the subject matter.
The figurine dates this piece to the 2nd-4th Century AD, situating it within the cultural and religious context of the Roman Era, characterized by polytheistic pagan worship. Piglets were frequently utilized in sacrificial rites and held connections to several Roman deities, such as Demeter, the goddess of agriculture. This statuette can thus be identified as a votive figure, a religious object offered in gratitude or to honor a vow.
The figurine displays traditional Roman stylistic characteristics, but there are also indications of potential Greek influence which would correspond to the substantial cultural exchange between these two civilizations at the time.
