Caratteri in mutamento e divinità mutevoli. I votivi figurati del santuario di Villa di Villa

This contribution addresses the theme of the changing iconographic attributes of certain classes of votive offerings from the pre-Roman sanctuary of Villa di Villa. Two classes of votives representing human figures are analyzed: bronze figurines and stamped decorated plaques. The bronze figurines depict stylized male warriors whose attributes can vary in detail. A fundamental attribute is gender, which is prominently expressed, although in two cases it is modified to portray a female gender. This alteration may reveal information on the identity of these figurines, possibly connected to a deity with ambiguous characteristics. Conversely, a clearly feminine bronze figurine can be compared to a figure on the votive plaques. The devotion to a female deity of probable pre-Roman origin finds a parallel with the foil discs from the Piave Valley, which depict a Potnia Theron goddess. Thus, analyzing the attributes in the figurative productions of Villa di Villa may lead to new hypotheses regarding the sanctuary’s cult practices.