"Ex voto" is short for ex voto suscepto, meaning "from the vow made." The same root word is familiar to you in the words "votive" and "devotional." An ex voto is an offering left at an altar or shrine in gratitude for a prayer answered. They can be found wherever Catholics are, notably Italy, France, Mexico, and Spain. In Greece they are known as "tamata." Traditionally they are made of silver in a shape that represents the prayer or miracle received, so you'll find ex votos shaped like different body parts, human figures, sacred hearts, and even 20th century examples from Mexico in the shape of manmade objects like cars. Newer reproductions are usually made of tin; older and finer examples are silver.

This antique ex voto dates to the early 20th century and is made of silver in the shape of an arm. Refer to photos for size and condition: Good with tarnish from age. I don't recommend polishing but you can! Five additional ex votos listed today, purchased from the estate of a New York writer.