ITEM: Statuette of a dolphin MATERIAL: Bronze CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 40 mm x 27 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex Dutch private collection, acquired before 2000s Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export license If you bid outside the european union and win the item, we will have to apply for an export licence for your country and shipping will take 3 to 5 weeks. In the Roman period, dolphin statuettes held symbolic significance and were associated with various aspects of Roman life, including mythology, religion, and daily rituals. Dolphins were often depicted in Roman art and sculpture due to their connection with Neptune, the god of the sea. These statuettes served as votive offerings and were commonly placed in temples dedicated to Neptune or other marine deities. The Romans believed that offering dolphin statuettes would invoke the protection and favor of these sea gods, especially for those involved in maritime activities or seeking safe passage during voyages. The representation of dolphins in Roman statuettes also carried symbolic meanings beyond their association with the sea. Dolphins were considered symbols of good fortune, intelligence, and playfulness. As a result, dolphin figurines were sometimes used in domestic settings as decorative items or talismans believed to bring luck and positive energy to the household. The widespread popularity of dolphin imagery in Roman art reflects the cultural significance attached to these creatures and their ability to bridge the realms of both the natural and divine. Moreover, dolphin statuettes were not limited to religious or domestic contexts; they were also used as elements in Roman funerary art. In some cases, dolphins were incorporated into tomb decorations or placed near burial sites, symbolizing protection for the deceased in the afterlife.