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Bronze statuette of a warrior

-420/-400

British Museum

British Museum
London, United Kingdom

In 1836 a chance find revealed many votive bronzes in and around a small lake high on Mount Falterona, a peak of the Apennines about 40 kilometres east of Florence. Over 600 bronze statuettes were found, along with more than 2,000 other votive offerings of various types. Many of the finds have since been lost or dispersed among various collections. The objects mainly date to 600-200 BC. Like all votives, they would have been dedicated in the hope that prayers would be answered, or with thanks for divine favour. No sanctuary buildings were found by the lake, but the offerings included models of body parts and the closeness to water suggests a cult of healing. This fine bronze statuette of a warrior was cast in one piece, with the shield and (now missing) helmet-crest cast separately. The helmet is of Athenian type, with the cheek-pieces upturned. The warrior wears an elaborately decorated scale corslet over a short tunic. He originally held a curved sword, of which part survives, in his left hand, and probably had a spear in his right. His stance is influenced by Greek sculptures of the late fifth century BC.

Details

  • Title: Bronze statuette of a warrior
  • Date Created: -420/-400
  • Physical Dimensions: Height: 31.75cm
  • External Link: British Museum collection online
  • Technique: cast
  • Subject: warrior
  • Registration number: 1847,1101.5
  • Production place: Made in Italy
  • Place: Excavated/Findspot Falterona, Mount
  • Period/culture: Etruscan
  • Material: bronze
  • Copyright: Photo: © Trustees of the British Museum
  • Acquisition: Purchased from Campanari

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