ITEM: Statuette of a horse MATERIAL: Bronze CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 25 mm x 37 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex English private collection, acquired between 1970 - 1990 In the Roman period, statuettes of horses held various symbolic and practical roles in Roman society. Horses were crucial to the Roman military, agriculture, and transportation, and their representation in art and statuary reflected their importance. Small bronze or terracotta horse statuettes were popular as decorative items in domestic settings, showcasing the Romans' appreciation for the beauty and strength of these animals. These statuettes were often crafted with great attention to detail, capturing the anatomy and spirit of the horse in a miniature form. Horse statuettes also had a significant role in religious practices and rituals. In the Roman pantheon, various deities were associated with horses, such as Neptune, the god of the sea, who was often depicted with sea horses. Epona, a Celtic-Roman goddess, was specifically linked to horses and was worshipped as a protector of horses and riders. As such, horse statuettes were used as votive offerings in temples dedicated to these deities or as personal talismans for those seeking divine favor or protection for their equine companions. Additionally, horse statuettes were employed in funerary contexts. They were sometimes placed in tombs or used as grave markers to symbolize the deceased's affinity for horses or their status in the afterlife. The Roman belief in an afterlife and the importance of personal possessions in burial practices led to the inclusion of various symbolic items, including horse statuettes, to accompany individuals into the next realm. Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks. #ExclusiveCabinetofCuriosities