Lovers

Clay figurines of humans, gods and mythical beings are found in almost all ancient contexts: in houses, sanctuaries and graves. Equally universal is their employment as votive offerings, burial objects, toys and domestic equipment. Figurines with erotic or sexual connotation often come from the Dionysian sphere or the theatre, especially comedy. They are also common as votive offerings to the goddess of love Aphrodite. As burial objects in children’s graves they point towards the missed wedding. Some gurines, such as the group of Amor and Psyche, are to be seen as re ections of famous large scale marble or bronze sculptures.