The 5.5" statue seems to be a solid bronze of a woman or girl with a hand at her side and another holding something at her chest. There is an oblong shape on top of her head and her hair is braided or it is some type of head peice. It weighs 13.7 ounces. The only thing I've been able to find that is somewhat similar is something at the Met, and it is made from terracotta is is referred to as a woan holding a dove, East Greek, from mid-6th century BCE. I've included a screenshot in the pictures below.
Dimensions
It is 5.5" tall, 1.25' wide at the shoulder. It weighs 13.7 ounces.
Acquired From:
Secondhand Store
Hi Chris, Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. The comparable you provided is quite helpful for the purposes of this appraisal, so thank you again for that. East Greek often refers to the parts of the Roman Empire where Greek was the preferred language rather than Latin. Rather than being an unguent - or perfume bottle - a figure of this size was probably used as a household god, or "lar;' it may have been one of many "lares. " Greco-Roman citizens would have prayed to them to protect the hearth and the family meals, fields, fertility, and households at the crossroads. The figure appears to be holding something other than a dove - perhaps a snake? The market for Classical antiquities is rampant with stolen and looted items that - through no fault of yours - keeps the value modest for all but those items who have a documented provenance, exhibition and/or publication history. Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is: An ancient Greco-Roman bronze household lar or guardian figure probably mid Sixth Century BCE (BC) In the form of a standing woman with braided hair and wearing a flattened headress, cradling to her breast a snake or other creature in her left arm while her right arm hangs by her side and holds an implement or bouquet/cornucopia. 5-1/2 inches tall CONDITION: This figure retains a verdigris patina that has wear commensurate to age, with pitting and some minor erosion. PROVENANCE: Acquired at a second hand store $300-500* *represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary. Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto. ~ Delia
