ITEM: Statuette of a Ram MATERIAL: Bronze CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 25 mm x 29 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex Belgian private collection, acquired before 1990s Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and European Union export license If you bid outside European Union and win the item, we must request a new export license to your country and the shipment will delay between 3 - 5 weeks. Statuettes of rams were common in the Roman period and held various symbolic meanings depending on the context in which they were used. Rams were associated with several Roman deities, including Jupiter, the king of the gods, who was often depicted with ram's horns, symbolizing strength, fertility, and virility. As a result, statuettes of rams were sometimes used as offerings in religious rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Jupiter and other gods associated with fertility and abundance. In addition to their religious significance, statuettes of rams were also popular as decorative items and talismans in Roman households. These miniature sculptures were often made from materials such as bronze, terracotta, or marble and were displayed in homes as symbols of prosperity, protection, and good fortune. The ram's association with fertility and abundance made it a fitting symbol for households seeking blessings of wealth and prosperity. Statuettes of rams have been found in various archaeological contexts across the Roman Empire, including domestic dwellings, temples, and tombs. Some examples are exquisitely crafted and finely detailed, reflecting the skill and artistry of Roman craftsmen. Others are more modest in appearance but still carry symbolic significance for the individuals who owned or commissioned them.