Horse Figurine

If you think this horse figurine was a toy, you might be right. Archaeologists have found many small human and animal figurines in sites around the Mediterranean. Certainly some were used in ancient religious practice, but others were probably toys. This horse is a modern replica of the Iron Age ceramic horse exhibited in the Beasts of Burden case. If you look closely, you can still see traces of the original painted decoration on the ceramic horse in the case. 

Horses were likely domesticated over 6,000 years ago on the Central Asian steppes between southern Russia and western China. From there they spread westward and southward into the Near East and Mediterranean. In antiquity, horses were highly prized, used in ceremonies and for warfare, not for agriculture. Kings would not have their prized chariot horses pulling plows or threshing boards. That work was for donkeys or oxen.

3D File Link:https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/horse-figurine-464dd8c4e48f4e6fa76226ff102f49f9

HMANE 1995.10.866