A fine Ancient Greek loom wool weight from Magna Graecia, modern southern Italy. The terracotta weight is rectangular in shape with a curved bottom edge, and is perforated horizontally at the top. The top half of the piece is adorned with red pigment, with some dark discolouration present. Earthy encrustations to the surface, and signs of wear as consistent with age such as surface pitting, minor chips and scratches. Small, portable, and durable, loom weights have been found in archaeological sites across the ancient world, and provide very valuable evidence for what must have been a widespread and everyday activity, weaving. This sort of loom weight, however, could have also been employed as a votive dedication rather than as a tool. The loom weights recovered in sanctuaries are commonly interpreted as the remnants of sacred weaving rituals that took place at the site, or, if a votive purpose is acknowledged, they are assumed to be low status offerings of little value. Measurements: (circa) L 6.2cm x W 4.4cm Provenance: Ex Survanna collection, Surrey, 1970s.