Votive right hand

Made:
1-400 CE in Roman Empire
Bronze white hand with eye hole for suspension, Roman

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Bronze white hand with eye hole for suspension, Roman
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Bronze right hand with eye hole for suspension, Roman, circa 200AD (?)

Votive offerings were made at the temple of a healing god such as Asklepios, the Greco-Roman god of healing and medicine. The offerings were made in the hope of receiving a cure or as thanks for one. Votives were made in the shape of the affected or cured body part, in this case a person’s right hand. Cast in bronze, the votive has a hole so it can be hung up on a wall. Temples were often overcrowded with votives.

Details

Category:
Classical & Medieval Medicine
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A608637
Materials:
bronze
Measurements:
overall: 14 mm x 89 mm x 110 mm, 0.355kg
type:
votive offering
credit:
Loan, Wellcome Trust