Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0677
Roman Phallic Amulet
3RD-4TH CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
2 1/8 in. (26.1 grams, 55 mm).
A bronze phallic amulet composed of a hollowed truncated conical socket, with a curved arm to each side, one ending in a phallic shape, the other ending with a closed fist.
Provenance
Acquire in the 1990s.
Ex Cambridgeshire, UK, collection.
Literature
Cf. for similar amuler or pendant Rolland, H., Bronzes Antiques De Haute Provence, Paris, 1965, item 436.
Footnotes
Roman phallic amulets are represented by many examples preserved in museums and private collections, with a vast variety of types. This specimen belongs to category of double phallus, even if one of the male attributes is here represented as a fist. These amulets were worn as a wish for fertility and virile power, often hung on horses as harness pendants.
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.
LOT 0677
Roman Phallic Amulet
Estimate £100 - 140€120 - 160 (for guidance only)$140 - 190 (for guidance only)
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman Glass Unguentarium
2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
A blue glass unguentarium with a piriform body and long tubular neck with flanged rim; some iridescence to surfaces. 71.8 grams, 12 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Roman Gold Earring Pair
1st-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £546
A matched pair of gold earrings, each a substantial hoop with hinged closure and granule detailing, columnar sleeve with applied cells and inset carnelian cloisons, granule cluster finial. 3.45 grams total, 31 mm each
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private collection since 1998. -
Roman Gold Ring with Garnet Cabochon
1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £780
A hollow-formed gold finger ring with inset cabochon garnet. 2.11 grams, 21.42 mm overall, 16.92 mm internal diameter (approximate size British L, USA 5 3/4, Europe 11.24, Japan 10)
Acquired early 1990s. Ex private American collection; thence by descent. Private Swiss collection since 1998.