Ancient Greek marble dove votive figurines
National Archeological Museum, Athens, GreeceMaterial: Pentelic marble
Date range: Middle of 4th century BC
Origin: Sanctuary of Aphrodite at Daphni, Attica, Greece
These carved dove figurines were votive offerings left by worshippers at the sanctuary of Aphrodite. The doves are rendered in simplified, stylized form, designed to be recognizable representations rather than naturalistic sculptures.
Doves were sacred to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, and desire, serving as her primary animal symbol in ancient Greek religion. The association between Aphrodite and doves appears throughout Greek mythology and art, with the birds representing love, gentleness, and the goddess's divine power. Worshippers dedicated these marble doves at her sanctuary to honor the goddess, seek her favor, or give thanks for answered prayers.
One figurine (inventory number 1592) preserves a votive inscription reading "Phalakrion dedicated this to Aphrodite," providing direct evidence of personal religious devotion in the 4th century BC. These humble yet meaningful offerings demonstrate how ancient Greeks expressed their piety through dedications of sacred symbols at the sanctuaries of their gods.
Museum label reference: 1592, 1593, 6796, 6998, 7000, 7008. Figurines of doves. Pentelic marble. Found in the sanctuary of Aphrodite at Daphni, Attica. They were dedicated in the goddess's sanctuary, as is attested by the votive inscription dating from the middle of the 4th c. BC inscised on one of them (inv. no. 1592): Phalakrion dedicated this to Aphrodite.
Original Text: 1592, 1593, 6796, 6998, 7000, 7008. Ειδώλια περιστεριών. Μάρμαρο πεντελικό. Βρέθηκαν στο ιερό της Αφροδίτης στο Δαφνί, Αττική. Πρόκειται για αναθήματα στο ιερό της θεάς, όπως πιστοποιεί η χαραγμένη στο αρ. ευρ. 1592 αναθηματική επιγραφή των μέσων του 4ου αι. π.Χ.: Φαλακρίων Αφροδίτη ανέθηκεν.
Supplementary images:
Pentelic marble dove figurines dedicated to Aphrodite from her sanctuary at Daphni, Attica
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