Roman Alabaster Bowl

A bronze phallic amulet composed of a hollowed truncated conical socket, with a curved arm to each side, one ending in a phallic shape, the other ending with a closed fist. 26.1 grams, 55 mm



Acquire in the 1990s. Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.

Roman phallic amulets are represented by many examples preserved in museums and private collections, with a vast variety of types. This specimen belongs to category of double phallus, even if one of the male attributes is here represented as a fist. These amulets were worn as a wish for fertility and virile power, often hung on horses as harness pendants.

An epigraphic gem of oval shape, with a smooth surface on one side and inscriptions of a magical-Christian nature engraved in tondos and tabulae ansatae on the other side, one bearing the Greek letters Α and ω (Alpha and Omega) above the letters I and X. 0.84 grams, 17 mm



Acquired before 1988. Ex family collection, by descent, Geneva.

The letter Alfa and Omega (A W) are a clear link with a Christian cult, especially in this case in which the two letters are incised over the other two letter Iota and Chi IX, initials of the Greek Iesus Xριστός 'Christ'. The letters Alpha and Omega are symbols of eternity of the Divine Figure (I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, Revelation, 22.13).

A blue fusiform glass vessel composed of an everted rim, elongated tubular neck with short expanded body and integral foot; iridescent surfaces; repaired. 29 grams, 20.7 cm high



Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998.