The valley of Ariccia resulted from the drainage – during the Roman era – of a volcanic lake. Around the Fourth Century BCE these fertile lands were used for growing and in 1927 a humble sanctuary, immersed in the natural surroundings, was discovered entirely by chance. The small rectangular structure, decorated with antefixes and clay pediment statues, contained a rich votive deposit. Its most significant items are the clay images of worshippers, several anatomical votives (uteri, hands, feet, offered as thanks or in the hope of a cure), three seated statuettes and three female terracotta busts of exceptional quality. The natural context and certain attributes of the sculptures identify the sanctuary as consecrated to Ceres and Proserpine. The statue on display here, either a worshiper or a priestess, provides insight into an important aspect of the cult of Demeter to which only women were admitted.
The piglet in the left hand refers to the practice of megarizein, by which sacrificed animals were placed in underground tunnels (megara). Their decomposed remains were subsequently scattered in the fields to invoke a fruitful and abundant harvest.