Greek Figurine: Fragmentary Satyr

Inv. No.: 95.072b
Provenance: Greece (Metaponto)
Date: 5th century BC
Height: 113mm
Width: 50mm
 
The head and torso of a satyr wearing a turban-like head-dress with flaps hanging beside his face. He has animal ears, large round eyes, a snub nose, a moustache and beard. His genitals are present, but his limbs are missing. Comparison with similar figures (without the head-dress) suggest that this figure could have been in a squatting position with his legs drawn up beside his body. The clay is orange in colour and there are the remains of white slip.

Function:
Probably used for votive or funerary purposes.

Manufacture:
A mould-made piece with a hollow back.

Bibliography:
Higgins, R. A., Catalogue of the Terracottas in the Department of Greek and Roman Antiquities, British Museum, second edition, London, British Museum, 1969, I (Text), 96, 223.

Comparanda:
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), Plates 46, 270-272 (squatting satyrs from Rhodes; mid 5th century) and 115, 838-840 (squatting satyrs from Boeotia; mid 5th century).