Relief plaque of Aphrodite Epitragia
The scene on this terracotta plaque, restored from many fragments, depicts the goddess Aphrodite, in a way rarely seen in Macedonian art. The plaque consists of two curved panels with relief decoration on one side. The semi-circular upper border, which probably symbolizes the sky, is decorated with applied ceramic flowers on which traces of pink paint are still visible. The scantly dressed goddess sits astride a goat, hence her characterization 'epitragia.' The animal jumps to the right while two smaller goats scamper underneath it. A naked Eros hovers in the upper left-hand corner. This plaque is mould-made, but some details are finished by hand. It was probably imported from southern Greece, where the theme of Aphrodite Epitragia is quite common, especially in 4th century BC relief art. It is associated with the worship of the goddess and was probably dedicated as a votive offering at a sanctuary.