Greek statuette of a cow

ITEM: Statuette of a cow
MATERIAL: Pottery
CULTURE: Greek
PERIOD: 4th - 2nd Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 122 mm x 52 mm x 175 mm
CONDITION: Good condition, repaired
PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex Galerie Mythes et Légendes (1989), Ex private collection, J.P., Switzerland

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 4 to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the amount of the sale, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Greek statuettes of cows were common in antiquity, often serving religious, decorative, or votive functions. These small sculptures, typically made of terracotta or bronze, were crafted with remarkable detail, capturing the naturalistic form of the animal. Cows held great significance in Greek society, as they were essential for agriculture, dairy production, and religious sacrifice. Many of these statuettes were dedicated in sanctuaries to honor deities such as Hera, Demeter, or Poseidon, reflecting their associations with fertility, nourishment, and pastoral life. Their presence in temples and shrines suggests they were used as votive offerings, symbolizing gratitude or petitions for prosperity.

In Greek religious practice, cows were often linked to major rituals and sacrifices, particularly in the worship of Hera, the goddess of marriage and family, who was sometimes referred to as Bopis ("cow-eyed"). The famous hecatomb, a grand sacrifice of 100 cattle, was a significant ritual performed at large festivals such as the Olympic Games in honor of Zeus. Statuettes of cows may have served as symbolic substitutes for real animal sacrifices or as commemorative offerings after major religious events. Some examples depict cows in a calm, grazing posture, while others show them being led by herdsmen, emphasizing their role in both daily life and sacred rites.