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LOT 0974
Roman Bronze Military 'Yonic' Horse Cheek Piece
1ST-4TH CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (85 grams, 83 mm).
Comprising a substantial ring with incised borders surrounding three radiating hexagonal plates supporting a central pierced triangular panel; each with a raised dome and longitudinal recess; rectangular suspension slot above. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom 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.
Cf. Appels, A. & Laycock, S., Roman Buckles and Military Fittings, Witham, 2007, p.125, for similar 'vulva' motif on a belt mount AA14.43.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Roman Bronze Genius Statuette
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Modelled standing, wearing a loosely draped himation hanging from the right shoulder, the folds gathered at the left forearm raised to support a patera; mounted on a custom-made stand. 118 grams total, 96 mm including stand
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.
A genius was a local spirit or supernatural helper whose favour could be requested with a libation or small offering. -
Roman Green Glass Weight
1st-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Discoid with stepped profile, reserved bust of a winged putto holding a lyre. 2.5 grams, 17 mm
Collected from 1970-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK. -
Roman Silver Horse Head Whorl Brooch
3rd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
A swastika-shaped fibula with horse-head decoration, each head with punched ring-and-dot eye, a similar motif to the centre, catchplate and pin hinge to verso. 10.8 grams, 37 mm
Property of the vendor's grandfather, thence by family descent, circa 1985. From the private collection of a New York, USA gentleman.
In the 3rd century A.D., several examples of fibulae in the shape of four horses’ heads forming a swastika (type Almgren 232) seem to be related to the creation of the Illyrian cavalry corps in Roman army. Many examples of these military fibulae were found in ancient Roman Dacia (Romania), in Roman Illyricum and Moesia.
