Greek Reproduction of Cypriot Terracotta Horse and Rider

Mid 20th Century

ca. 750–600 BCE

9.25" H x 8.5" L x 2.875" W

Hand Crafted from Terracotta of a Horse with a Rider on his Back with Painted Geometric Pattern Cypro-Archaic Signed R.J.

In Very Good Condition with Damaged to the Inside of the Front Left Leg

These iconic terracotta sculptures originated in ancient Cyprus during the Cypro-Archaic period (roughly 750–480 BCE). They represent one of the most common votive offerings in Cypriot sanctuaries and tombs. Handmade (often solid, sometimes with mold-made elements for faces or details), they typically depict a rider—frequently a warrior with helmet, shield, or conical cap—mounted on a horse with stylized features like erect mane, pointed ears, and thick tail. Horses symbolized wealth, status, and military prowess, as only the elite owned them in the ancient Greek world, including Cyprus.