Terra Cotta Figurines

There is a longstanding tradition of Greek terra cotta figurines, and those of Egypt and other Eastern provinces of the Empire as being the dominant influences. Each region of the Empire produced terra cotta statues in distinctive styles, but all had similar subject matters including: religious themes of gods, goddesses and their attributes. Birds and Animals may have also been created which could have been linked with a certain god or goddess. These statues were usually used for ritual or religious purposes including dedication at temples, display in household shrines, or as grave-goods to be deposited with the dead.

Although most figurines were made for religious purposes, some were used as toys by children, even if they were not manufactured for that specific purpose. These figurines were made from molds and were manufactured in large quantities and then they would be painted in bright colors, which did not survive over time besides small, faded patches.

The terra cotta figure abouve is a molded figure mounted on a galloping horse who is wearing an Asiatic costume of a short mantle tied in the center of his chest and a cap. His right arm is raised above shoulder and his body is twised to the right. He appears as if he, and his horse, is is charging into battle.