Magna Graecia (Southern Italy) Terracotta Doll - 10 cm (No reserve price)
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Current bid
€ 42
No reserve price
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
27 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 7526 | €42 | |
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 Bidder 1081 | €38 | |
| Bidder 7526 | €33 | |
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Ancient Magna Graecia terracotta male doll with originally movable arms dating to the Hellenistic period (3rd century BC–2nd century AD), measuring 10 cm high by 3 cm wide and 3 cm deep, acquired in 1980 from Germany and inherited from a German collection, in good archaeological condition with wear and missing arms, authentic artifact with provenance indicating long-term German ownership since 1930.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
MAGNA GRECIA or SOUTHERN ITALY| Antique male terracotta doll with movable arms (3rd century BC – 2nd century AD)
Offered here is an antique Greek male terracotta doll from, dating to the Hellenistic period. The figure is rendered in a simplified yet expressive manner and was originally equipped with movable (articulated) arms, attached through small perforations at the shoulders, which remain clearly visible. The body is modeled in the round with schematic anatomical features typical of everyday objects rather than elite sculpture. The restrained treatment of the face and torso, combined with the functional articulation system, identifies the piece as a doll or figurine intended for domestic, ritual, or funerary use, rather than a purely decorative object.
Dating and Historical Context:
Terracotta figurines and dolls were widely produced during this period and are known from domestic contexts, children’s burials, and votive deposits, where they could function as toys, symbolic companions for the afterlife, or offerings associated with fertility, protection, and transition rites. Articulated dolls in particular reflect Greek influence, as similar examples are well documented in Hellenistic Greece and the wider Mediterranean.
Material: Terracotta
Condition: Archaeological condition; surface wear, mineral deposits, and losses consistent with age. Arms no longer present. No restoration visible.
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.
MAGNA GRECIA or SOUTHERN ITALY| Antique male terracotta doll with movable arms (3rd century BC – 2nd century AD)
Offered here is an antique Greek male terracotta doll from, dating to the Hellenistic period. The figure is rendered in a simplified yet expressive manner and was originally equipped with movable (articulated) arms, attached through small perforations at the shoulders, which remain clearly visible. The body is modeled in the round with schematic anatomical features typical of everyday objects rather than elite sculpture. The restrained treatment of the face and torso, combined with the functional articulation system, identifies the piece as a doll or figurine intended for domestic, ritual, or funerary use, rather than a purely decorative object.
Dating and Historical Context:
Terracotta figurines and dolls were widely produced during this period and are known from domestic contexts, children’s burials, and votive deposits, where they could function as toys, symbolic companions for the afterlife, or offerings associated with fertility, protection, and transition rites. Articulated dolls in particular reflect Greek influence, as similar examples are well documented in Hellenistic Greece and the wider Mediterranean.
Material: Terracotta
Condition: Archaeological condition; surface wear, mineral deposits, and losses consistent with age. Arms no longer present. No restoration visible.
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.
Details
Culture
Magna Graecia (Southern Italy)
Century/ Timeframe
3rd century BC - 2cnd century AD
Name of object
Doll
Acquired from
Inherited
Year acquired
1980
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
10 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1930
Width
3 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
3 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
