A Gaulish goddess, also known as Aufanie and in the plural Aufaniae: Generous Ancestral Mother(s)

Over 90 inscriptions to Aufanie are known. A mother goddess, or Matrona she is sometimes referred to in the multiple as the Aufaniae though it is clear from the inscriptions that as well as the triple aspect of the Matres Aufaniae (above), Aufania was also venerated as a single entity.

Based on a Gothic origin, her name has been interpreted as ‘Generous Ancestral Mother’

Aufanie was often named as ‘goddess Aufanie’ or ‘holy Aufanie’, making her divine status quite clear, while other times she was titled ‘matron Aufanie’.

The image shown above comes from a large bas relief found at Bonn, Germany. The accompanying inscription is dedicated to the MATRONIS AVFANIABVS (The Aufanian Matres or Mothers).

The primary functions of the mothers, as shown in the inscriptions, were to help in time of need, to protect, to watch over a family or clan, to help in fertility and childbirth, to heal, and possibly to give protection in battle.