Terracotta Votive

A votive terracotta plaque (pinax) that was found embedded in the wall of one of the Terrace Houses.  It dates to the first century AD.

Note the rider on his horse in a short garment holding a spear in his left hand and a bowl in his right.  He seems to be feeding a snake that was considered to be the visible image of the invisible divine spirit that watched over the household. In front of his horse is an (incense) altar, with a flame, and the side of which is decorated with a bull’s head with garlands.

Note also the "saddle" that the rider is sitting on and the lion-headed straps that bind it to the horse.