Loading, please wait...
LOT 0638
Roman Bronze Phallic Mask Pendant
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 3/4 in. (25.6 grams, 45 mm).
Displaying the face of a bearded god, possibly Cernunnos or Pan, with curly hair and two horns in the shape of phallus; suspension ring to the top. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceAcquired in the 1990s.
Ex property of a UK gentleman.
The head displays typical features associated with Romano-Celtic art, such as the lentoid eyes and the schematic rendering of the hair and beard. The head could be that of Pan, god of the wild countryside and of fertility in nature, thus making the phalli-shaped horns appropriate. It could also represent the Celtic god Cernunnos, a Gallic deity whose worship is known from Britain and the Continent from a number of monuments, inscriptions and figurines, as well as on the famous Gundestrup cauldron found in a bog in Denmark. His name means "the Horned One", and is depicted as a bearded male wearing a torc around his neck and with large horns or antlers on his head. Representations of him are known from as early as the fourth century B.C. from the Paspardo rock carving at Val Camonica, Northern Italy. Other representations include the monument set up by Parisian sailors which was discovered underneath Notre Dame cathedral, and the relief carving from Cirencester where his legs are in the form of two snakes. The Celts' preoccupation with fecundity caused them on occasions to represent their male gods with oversized phalli, and a bronze figure of Mercury from Tongres, France, depicts the god with two phalli on his head.
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:
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.
-
Roman Bronze Sitting Dog
1st-4th century A.D.Estimate: £400 - 600 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £222
Modelled seated on its rump with forepaws before the body, head erect with gaping mouth exposing sharp teeth; detailing to the coat and face. 31.5 grams, 39 mm
‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection. -
Roman Bronze Bird Brooch
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £390
Complete with pin and catchplate (chipped) to reverse; the bird advancing left with head turned backwards, tail modelled in the round, feather detailing to the wing, annular eye. 12.3 grams, 46 mm
Ex John Hayward collection, exhibited at Ipswich museum. -
Roman Bronze Tankard Handle Group
Circa 2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £59
Comprising two differently sized handles: one featuring a leaf plaque to base with head of Bacchus(?) in relief, fluting and a second head to the top; one with a leaf plaque to base and swan head in relief, collars and thumb pad to top. 605 grams total, 16-24 cm
Acquired 1990s-early 2000s. East Anglian private collection.
