Swaddled infant votive

[1] For example, at the temple of Mater Matuta in Satricum, archaeologists discovered votive models of wombs, figurines of women with children, and terracotta swaddled infants.

Due to high infant mortality rates and complications with infertility, either parent could offer vows to deities in the hopes for successful pregnancies and the survival of the child.

Sometimes described as an Ex voto, their dedication and deposition can be understood to be thank offerings for the fulfillment of oaths to a deity for health expressing the reciprocal relationship between gods and humans.

[7]The swaddled baby votives of ancient Italy were predominantly fabricated from terracotta but have been recorded also in metal (bronze, gold, silver) and tufa.

These swaddled human representations were seemingly modeled to lay down, lean, or hang as they are created flat on the back.

These features reveal details about social status, locale, time period or even the choices of the individual craftsman.

[1] Swaddled baby votives, have been found in regions including but not exclusively Etruria, Latium, Campania.