Hand with Fragmented Thumb
Name/Title
Hand with Fragmented ThumbEntry/Object ID
RC.AC.06.39Tags
Terracotta, Terracotta VotivesDescription
This molded terracotta fragment depicts a human right hand in high relief, shown open with four parallel fingers extended together and a truncated thumb projecting downward/outward from the palm line. The fingers are delineated by shallow, parallel grooves defining the individual digits, with broad, simplified modeling across the palmar surface. Composed of a coarse, brownish-grey to tan earthenware clay matrix, the fragment is broken along the wrist/forearm connection, terminating in a jagged fracture edge. The unworked or flat reverse profile indicates production via a single front press-mold. Such terracotta anatomical votives—representing hands, feet, eyes, or internal organs—were widely manufactured in the ancient Mediterranean and dedicated at sanctuaries or healing shrines (such as Asklepion sites) in hope or gratitude for physical healing.Use
VotiveCollection
Randolph College's Ancient CollectionsCategory
Terracotta Votives
Randolph College Ancient Collections