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· General votive
offerings
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In ancient societies, where scientific knowledge was still very limited and the sense of life’s precariousness was very strong, the sacred permeated every aspect of daily life. In order to ensure favour, protection and benevolence from the gods, to ward off misfortune and problems, avert dangers, boost earnings and increase economic activity, ancient peoples constantly turned to the gods, making them offerings of all kinds in return for graces requested or in thanks for favours.
Therefore, a kind of "pilgrim industry" developed between the 4th and 1st century B.C., giving rise to the production of objects, in various materials and for all pockets. These were often produced within the sanctuaries themselves and then purchased by the faithful purchased, who offered them to the temple, where they were stored in specific areas.
This popular devotion to the gods is demonstrated in the Schiavi sanctuary by the numerous votive offerings discovered in the deposit, including pots, censers, lamps, and terracotta models of human figures and body parts, offered when requesting protection, health, physical healing and fertility. |
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