PVPA Cossinia

A fully articulated ceramic doll inspired by a 2nd-3rd century AD ivory doll found in Tivoli, Italy.

Measures:

• Doll: 22.5 x 6 x 2.5cm approx.
• box: 25.5 x 10.5 x 3.5 cm

The doll known as the "pupa" of the Vestal Virgin Cossinia is a highly significant archaeological artifact, discovered in 1929 in Tivoli, Italy.

In ancient Rome, there was a priestess named Cossinia, dedicated to the worship of the goddess Vesta. Upon discovering her tomb in Tivoli, they found an ivory doll with articulated limbs. These dolls were common among Roman girls, and they were usually offered to the goddesses upon reaching adulthood or before marriage. However, in the case of Cossinia, who remained a virgin and dedicated to her religious work throughout her life, the presence of the doll in her tomb symbolizes her eternal purity and commitment to her faith. It is as if that doll represents her childhood and the devotion she maintained until the end of her days...

However, subsequent research suggests that the doll did not belong to Cossinia. Another grave was found near her tomb, possibly that of a young woman who died before her marriage, accompanied by her grave goods, which included the aforementioned doll. The proximity of the two tombs led to initial confusion, which likely led to the doll being mistakenly attributed to the Vestal Virgin.

The Tivoli Pupa, made of ivory, measured approximately 17 cm in height. It wore a small gold necklace and bracelets on its hands and ankles.

*Available in 2-3 days