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Details
LOT 0811
Roman Bronze Artefact Group
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
1 - 1 3/4 in. (38.7 grams total, 25-45 mm).
Comprising: a lion-headed nude male figure in running position; two hand pendants making the fica gesture; a wolf-head(?) shaped mount. [4, No Reserve]
Provenance
From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
Literature
Cf. a similar 'Manus Fica' amulet in PAS (FindID 256624-KENT-4DA2EF).
Footnotes
The 'manus fico' (literally 'fig sign') is a gesture made with the hand, and fingers curled, with the thumb thrust between the middle and index fingers. In Roman culture, this was a sign of fertility or good luck and would have warded off the evil eye. Phallic amulets were popular items amongst the Roman army.
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