Terrecotte della Fornace Provide di Camarina, presso l’Ippari (V-IV sec.a.C.)

The analysis conducted on the numerous figurines brought to the light in the major production’s place of Camarina (the so called Provide Kiln) makes a fundamental contribution to the reconstruction of the handicraft of the ancient colony between the last decades of the fifth and the second half of the fourth century. B.C. In the first phase (third quarter-last years of the fifth century. B.C.) there is a peak in production witnessed by moulds and numerous figurines having a fairly large number of replica per type and different iconographies (Offerings of pig, Athena Ergane, female busts, theatrical subjects). The circulation of products of this first phase involves a wide range, involving centers such as Agrigento and Gela with which Camarina had always been political as well as economic alliances. In a second and third phase, which extends to the third quarter of the fourth century. BC, despite the refinement of the technical and quality standard of the production, the marketing of products and models, which are mainly depictions of Artemis, appears limited to the offshore area of influence of the city. The iconografy and the large amount of many terracotta types also reflected the cults, and the religious development of the ancient Greek colony.