“ALARI VOTIVI” DA VEIO E DA NARCE: MANUFATTI MINIATURIZZATI DI BUCCHERO E DI IMPASTO DI INCERTA FUNZIONE*

Abstract

This article examines the relationship between a group of small, bucchero ram figures dating to 6th – 5th century B.C, which are specific to Veii, and another form of miniature impasto firedogs founded in Narce, Monte Li Santi. It is not easy to determine the function of these small bucchero and impasto figures, which were presumably manufactured locally. An analysis of the provenance of single pieces suggests that the majority of them are particularly found in votive contexts and sanctuaries. Could they be interpreted as ritual tools, decorations, or ex-voto offerings? A comparison of these artefact types will make it possible to identify analogies and differences related to both pottery classes, with a focus also on the close cultural link between Veii and Narce in the Archaic and Republican periods.