- chapter 54: Etruscan terracotta figurines –
Veii counterparts (Fig. 54.11). The frontal fi gure wears a modeled cuirass over a short-sleeved
tunic and a double crested helmet. He leans to his left on a large oval shield. In all examples,
a fl ange surrounds the head and the shoulders of the fi gure creating a relief-like effect. On
the back the crest of the helmet is rendered in a cursory fashion, an illogical detail given the
fl ange that surrounds the head. The awkward stance, heavily outlined, exaggerated features
and the odd treatment of the helmet suggest that this type is a local creation,^16 perhaps
to serve as a “companion” to the stylistically similar Menerva types^17 (Fig. 54.12). Several
examples show her enthroned, with a Gorgon head decorating her aegis and a couple of owls
perched on the back of the throne to either side of the rather startled face of the goddess (Fig.
54.13). An unusual version shows Menerva seated on a kline. (Fig. 54.14).^18
Figure 54.11 Two male warrior fi gures from the Vignaccia Sanctuary at Cerveteri. Photo: author.
Inv. Nos. 8–2461 and 8–2581. Courtesy of the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology,
University of California, Berkeley.Figure 54.12 Figurine of Athena/Menerva from the Vignaccia Sanctuary at Cerveteri.
Inv. No. 2464. Photo: author. Courtesy of the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology,
University of California, Berkeley.