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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

fossils, votive offerings, Greco-Roman world, religious texts

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Anthropology

Abstract

Often archaeologists fail to recognize objects of veneration and cult worship in religious contexts. These objects may at first glance be difficult to identify as votive offerings. Consequently, they are often overlooked because of their seemingly ordinary appearance and functional purpose. Robin Osborne says of votive offerings “… it may be an object made for everyday use and ‘converted’ into an item that might be employed in an exchange with supernatural powers, as a cup or piece of jewelry may be” (Osborne 2004: 2). This type of votive offering may have been more widely employed among those of a non-elite status who could not afford impressive offerings made from rare and exotic goods. In contrast to this, many wealthy individuals at this time commissioned artisans and craftsmen to construct beautiful pieces of artwork that served as votive offerings. These were often constructed in bronze, copper, precious stones, hard stones, or other precious goods.

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