Animal figurines were very common in the 5th century BC. They represent votive gifts to the gods or funerary offerings. Like the tortoise, the hare is associated with Aphrodite. It is one of the sacred animals of Aphrodite, to whom it is also sacrificed.
In addition, the hare is also known as a 'love offering', which mature men (erastes) give as a gift to their youthful, male lovers (eromenos). (AVS)
