Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0693
Roman Bronze Looped Figural Pendant with Phallus
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (53 grams, 83 mm).
Composed of three concentric circles surmounted by a bearded figure to which is attached a suspension ring, the body of the figure engraved and ending with phallic attributes. [No Reserve]
Provenance
Acquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Literature
Cf. Fernández González, J.J., ‘Around Eras del Bosque (Palencia) and the pieces of harness from the Roman Necropolis’ in Oppidum, Cuadernos de investigaciόn, no.17, Segovia, 2021, pp.61-76, fig.7, for similar harness pendant.
Footnotes
Roman military harness included pendants of various typology, ranging from lunules to other decorative elements, often phallic, with the possible intention of protecting the animal. This particular pendant could be connected to the bearded image of the god Priapus.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Bone Gaming Dice Pair
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Each cuboid in form with ring-and-dot markings disposed: 1:6, 2:5, 3:4. 2.9 grams total, 8.5-9.8 mm
From the important private collection of dice and gaming pieces of Colin Narbeth, London, UK, collection no.47. -
Roman Bronze Military Belt Fitting
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Appliqué in the form of a pugio dagger with waisted blade and lateral knops to the pommel; attachment loops to the reverse. 12.1 grams, 40 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Roman Bronze Crossbow Brooch
4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With onion-knop terminals, carinated bow with a median band of guilloche decoration; the footplate with ring-and-dot decoration to each end, central guilloche panel with chamfered sides; hinged pin and pierced catch-plate to reverse. 64 grams total, 90 mm
Property of a Gloucestershire, UK, collector. Property of an East Sussex, UK, gentleman.
The piercing runs through both the body and catchplate. Such alterations, for the attachment of a securing chain or thong, are not uncommon on heavy brooches, but the hole is usually restricted to the reverse (the catch).
