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LOT 0870
Roman Hardstone Hand Amulet
1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (2.49 grams, 35 mm).
An amuletic arm with hand in the fica gesture, bulb and loop above.
Provenancewith Hotel des Ventes, Drouot, Paris, France.
From the collection of Mr H. Naudy, Paris, France.
Acquired at between 2004-2010.
Property of a French collector.
Cf. Andrews, C., Amulets of Ancient Egypt, London, 1994, item 74(f.
FootnotesSmall amulets of hands were commonly included in bracelets. They served not only as decorative pieces but also as symbols of protection for the limbs and extremities of their wearers. Some believed these amulets could even confer abilities such as increased dexterity or heightened creativity.
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AUCTIONS:
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1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £364
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Roman Silver Miniature Herm
1st-3rd century A.D.Estimate: £2,500 - 3,500 (‡+bp*)
Opening Bid: £1,000
Comprising a square-section tapering body with lateral stub arms; head of Mercury (Greek Hermes) above with applied twisted gold collar, low-relief shoulder panels, genitals modelled in the round, low-relief horned figure below. 27 grams, 52 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of Mr S.A., Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12103-218207.
This object, was likely votive and perhaps belonged to a small domestic altar of the Roman imperial era, reproduced in miniature size a Hermaic pillar. These were terminals made of stone or wood which were often placed on the roads, near crossings; they served to indicate the right path and therefore were supposed to protect travellers when traveling. In Roman times, these pillars were often topped with busts or portraits and were also found in the gardens of wealthy homes; gods (Hermes and Bacchus in particular) or philosophers were the subjects thus represented.
