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LOT 0152
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (81.5 grams, 68 mm).
Amuletic fascinum formed as a crescent with phallus to the right, hand in the fica gesture to the left and male genitals below; each with a loop beneath for attachment of another pendant; large loop above and attachment strap with stud.
ProvenanceAcquired in Europe in 1990s.
European private collection.
Cf. Beutler, F. et al., Der Adler Roms. Carnuntum und der Armee der Cäsaren, Bad-Deutsch Altenberg, 2017, item 768, for type.
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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LOT 0152
Roman Bronze Phallic Pendant
Estimate £1,000 - 1,400€1,160 - 1,620 (for guidance only)$1,350 - 1,890 (for guidance only)
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Roman Redware Pottery Sherd with Olive Tree
Circa 4th-5th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising a large edge section with impressed olive tree, with details of branches, fruit and foliage. 87 grams, 17 cm
Acquired 1960s-1990s. From the late Alison Barker collection, a retired London barrister.
The representation of an olive tree on this sigillata is not casual. In the early Imperial period the export of the Adriatic olive oil, following the amber road, moved from Aquileia to the provinces of Roman Pannonia. During the 3rd century, the production of the Spanish olive oil reached the Northern Roman provinces. Olives were transported in particular amphorae and served with specific vessels, distinguishing the black olives (olivae nerae) from the white olives (olivae albae). -
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Stone Corbel with Severed Head of a Gallo-Roman
Circa 2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Statue or frieze fragment with male head modelled in the half-round; circular face with large almond-shaped eyes, heavy brow, thick tousled hair framing the face, drooping moustache and short beard; presented at an oblique angle to the lower face of the block; two mounting holes to the underside. 22.8 kg, 43 cm
Found in Norfolk, UK. Acquired from Michael Booth, 1998. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The angle of the face in respect of the block suggests that the head is both tilted and detached, i.e. that it is a tête coupé or severed head. The practice of headhunting is documented among the natives of both Gaul and Britain (and elsewhere) in the Iron Age. The head is then considered to have special powers to avert evil and promote fertility, cure disease and provide other benefits. This is the case with the carved head - a male mask with copious hair and beard - from the Roman baths at Bath, Somerset (the ancient Aquae Sulis) which was a site of worship long before the arrival of a Roman presence in the area (Ross, p.91). The head takes on the character of a deity and is believed to respond favourably to prayer. -
Roman Bronze Armilla Bracelet
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
With snake-head terminals, the heads with pellet-in-circle decoration, the body with bands of transverse lines and punched pellets. 8.6 grams, 59 mm
Very fine condition.
Acquired in the 1980s. From a North West London collection.
