An object that is ritually offered or sacrificed to a deity, typically to mark the fulfilment of a vow, express gratitude or seek favour. Votive offerings are meant to be deposited, and may be buried, cast into bodies of water, or installed at shrines, altars, or other sacred places. Such objects have been found in several cultures across the world, dating back as early as the Neolithic period, and are still in use. They may take almost any form — from everyday objects such as tools or utensils to more elaborate or expensive offerings such as gold coins and works of art; the form of the object often corresponds with the intention of the offering, such as miniature replicas of body parts offered in prayer for healing, or weapons when seeking victory in battle.