Interest was recently shown in this small terracotta animal, that appeared at the rear of a photo on an unrelated subject.
I found it whilst digging the garden, many years ago, and gave it a good wash before I realised exactly what it was.
As for its age; I have no idea. It could just as easily be prehistoric as modern. There is a brand new Museum of Prehistory in a nearby village; I must take it down to them. If it proves to be old, it could be a very important object (such things are extremely rare), but I have my doubts.
Any ideas? The fact that I bothered to set it on a small plinth tells you what I think of it!
What fun and dug up in ones own garden just adds mystery.
ReplyDeleteI covet him!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely - a little pig - or could it just be a piece of fossilized tree branch?
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely made of clay. I drilled a tiny hole underneath.
DeleteCould it be roman?
ReplyDeleteWhatever period it is from, its beauty lies in its simplicity of form.
ReplyDeleteFour year old Alex is by my side so, for what it is worth, I asked him what this was.
ReplyDelete'A pig Daddy! It's a pig! I want it Daddy, I want my pig!'
How the hell he managed to lose it in your garden I have no idea but clearly he likes it as much as I do! It is a nice piece and setting it on a stand gives it life, movement, it almost looks inquisitive, all the more charming.
Art is so important. It gives so much pleasure; deservedly for the creator as well as the beholder.
looks prehistoric to me. a neolithic pig.
ReplyDeleteThat's several votes for PIG.
DeleteMy son gave his opinion as to what animal it may represent, Cro, I haven't yet so I would like to vote Bison if I may!
ReplyDeleteI think it looks like a cow, actually. not sure why...just do. It will be very interesting to see what the museum says.
ReplyDeleteI think it looks very very old....Perhaps an anthropologie museum could help...I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteI immediately thught "pig" when I saw it. I think he is a delightful thing - but he could be importantly old. Maybe you should take it to the museum, just to find out.
ReplyDeleteHow intriguing!
ReplyDeleteWell it does look like a pig with its snout, but are those horns? is it a bull ? Then again, it has a certain canine look from some angles.
ReplyDeleteCould it be a Pig Bull Terrieracota from the late Chavian, do you think ?
He says, gathering his coat and quickly heading for the door.
I thought small dog. Whatever it is, it's a lovely find. All I ever get is rusty old iron and an increasingly huge pile of stones.
ReplyDeleteCould it be one critter representing all? Well, if I had to pick one I think the pig. What a lovely treasure to find and I love that you've displayed it on the plinth.
ReplyDeleteI was beginning to think just plain 'animal'. One form covers all!
DeleteI have a vase my grandmother made in grammer school before the turn of the 20th century. Great thick clay walls. Perhaps pig was a primary school art project.
ReplyDeleteThat's my suspicion; or even something a child had made at home.
DeleteGet your Sunday best on, and get down to the museum!!! I can't wait to hear what they have to say. Either way, it is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinkin' pig, too.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Tried your soda bread recipe with our Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. Yum! Cheers. :)
Too bad you cant ask whomever took a bite out of its back end. If it tasted like bacon, then it's a pig.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that it is within the realm of possibility that this object is prehistoric amazes me. Here in Maryland, the old soup can at the bottom of my recycle bin is considered an antique.
It's sweet....possibly a childs toy from days gone by?
ReplyDeleteHowever old he is a treasure. All I get are rocks and more rocks. Mind you I can see the (hopefully) extinct volcano from here.
ReplyDeleteWhether a treasure or not, it is quite something to dig this little guy up. Maybe it is better not to know, but just enjoy him.
ReplyDeleteThat's why, as yet, I've done nothing.
DeleteAnother vote for pig. I like him. If he's very old, as in prehistoric, the curators won't like that you've drilled a hole. Tant pis.
ReplyDelete