what are anatomical votives

Anatomical votives are objects that were made as offerings to gods or goddesses in Ancient Rome and Greece. These votives were shaped like parts of the human body, such as limbs, breasts, heads, ears, penises, intestines, feet, and hands. They were offered to the gods as a plea for healing or as a thanksgiving for healing that had already occurred. Female anatomical votive offerings were predominantly related to fertility and childbirth, and they were often depicted as sculptures of uteri, swaddling bands, and babies. The practice of dedicating objects to the divine was a central component of both Greek and Roman religion. Today, anatomical votives are studied by archaeologists and historians to better understand the religious practices and beliefs of the ancient world.