South Italian Figurine: Standing Female Figurine with Phiale

Inv. No.: 66.008
Provenance: South Italy (probably Taras)
Date: 4th century BC
Height: 151mm
Width: 60mm
 
A draped, standing female figure holding offerings, set on a pedestal with concave sides. She wears an elaborate head-dress with a himation draped over her head as well. The head is inclined slightly to the left. She holds up a phiale mesomphalos with her left hand while her right arm hangs by her side. She holds a round object in her right hand. The figure perhaps relates to the figures bringing offerings on South Italian vases with funerary themes. The clay is pale orange in colour with dark incrustation and some traces of white.

Function:
Used for votive or funerary purposes.

Manufacture:
A mould-made figurine with a hollow back, characteristic of Tarentine ware.

Bibliography:
Higgins, R. A., Greek Terracottas, London, Methuen, 1967, 90-91.

Kanowski, M.G., The Antiquities Collection, catalogue, Department of Classics and Ancient History, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, 1978, 47.

Comparanda:
Greek and Roman Terracotta Sculpture, Charles Ede Catalogue, 1971, 16 (standing Tarentine figurine of a woman with a phiale).

Higgins, R. A., Catalogue of the Terracottas in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum, second edition, London, British Museum, 1970, I (Plates), Plate 186, 1345 (seated woman with phiale); see also Volume 1: Text (1969), 365.