Sculpture copy of the Liver of Piacenza, known more simply as the Etruscan liver: a bronze model of a sheep’s liver with Etruscan inscriptions, used by haruspices for predictions. Size: 12 x 8 x 6 cm. 20th century. In excellent condition. It unanimously dates back to the late 2nd-early 1st century BC, while its use is more uncertain but linked to haruspices predictions through the analysis the organ of the sacrificed victim. The Etruscan haruspex had the task of interpreting the divine will by observing particular signs in the liver of the immolated animal; so the bronze model of the liver served as a practical guide, as many Etruscologists explain. The extraordinary importance of this piece lies in the series of inscriptions of names of deities, which are organised on the flat face of the item to reflect the order of the sky according to the Etruscans. In fact, it bears 40 inscriptions in Etruscan language divided into 16 sections; in addition, two inscriptions are on the wall below. The names of thirty Etruscan mythological deities are inscribed in its sixteen sections. Each section corresponds to a specific division of the sky, oriented according to the cardinal axes and grouped into four sections, referring to the different levels of the cosmos: sky, water, earth, the underworld. Please look carefully at the pictures, that are an integral part of the description and show the condition of the item. Accurate packaging to avoid transport damages and trackable shipping.