MAGNA GRAECIA or SOUTHERN ITALY | Ancient Negative Mold (Model) for the Production of Female Votive Figures Extremely Rare Workshop Object, Mediterranean Region, ca. 6th–3rd Century BC This exceptional object is not a finished votive figure, but an ancient negative mold / model used in the serial production of female votive figurines—an extraordinarily rare survival of ancient workshop practice. Such molds were essential tools in antiquity for producing terracotta votives destined for sanctuaries, yet unlike the finished figures, they were usually discarded once worn out and therefore rarely preserved. The clearly legible negative drapery folds, body contours, and volumes unequivocally confirm its function as a production tool. Surface characteristics, authentic age patina, and the technically functional execution all point to a genuine ancient workshop object from the Greek cultural sphere or Magna Graecia (southern Italy/Sicily). The archaic, reduced formal language supports a dating to approximately the 6th–3rd century BC. While finished votive figures are relatively common, production molds rank among the most sought-after and rarest objects on the antiquities market: they document not only religious practice but also the craftsmanship, organization, and economy of ancient cult centers. For advanced collectors, museums, and academic collections, such pieces possess exceptional historical and scholarly significance. A museum-quality key object of remarkable rarity—far above standard votive art—and a unique opportunity to acquire an original tool from the production process of ancient cult practice.n. Material: Terracotta Condition: Archaeological condition; surface wear, mineral deposits, and losses consistent with age. Provenance: German private collection, since 1930 (acquired prior to current ownership) This is a genuine ancient artifact, not a modern reproduction. Comparable examples are held in major museum collections, including the British Museum and the Louvre, underscoring the historical relevance of this object type. An evocative and authentic piece of Hellenistic material culture No export permit is required for shipping within the European Union. The seller guarantees that the object — an old find — was acquired legally and that all relevant permits and documentation are in place. The seller will inform the buyer should the transfer of these permits and/or shipment require more than a few days.