Publication and Study of a Rare Terracotta Piece from Naucratis Preserved in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Abstract

The term terracotta as used in the field of classical archaeology refers to a type of figurines made of raw clay and distinctive to the Hellenistic and Roman eras. In fact, this art is rich in innovation whether in hand-made figurines or those molded. It is also rich regarding the variety of themes it represents. It goes without saying that this art represents the lowest class in society, while bronze and marble sculptures represent the higher classes of society in view of the high costs and high degree of skills required for modeling and molding compared to raw clay sculpture. However, archaeologically speaking, the terracotta art is very important and even superior to other arts as it provides a diversity of themes that are unrepresented in other arts. In addition, depicting professions and occupations is closely related to the terracotta art, hence it is more properly described as the street art. Besides, males were specifically selected by this study because of their physical nature that requires them to make a living through such professions and occupations. As a matter of fact, males are more mobile and active into streets than females who used to practice their domestic housework in their houses, except in rare circumstances where they would work outside.