Older than memory, this is the great female deity, the goddess of fertility. Whatever guise she takes, her chief function is to make fecund the earth, men and beasts, to insure the continuity of life. Sometimes she fills other roles--as a goddess of wisdom, of love, or of war--but her power over the fate of mankind is enormous. This votive was offered centuries ago by some person seeking her favor and protection. We do not know if the goddess granted the wishes of the ancient life, but we feel about her still the aura of benevolence and mystery.