Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0696
Roman Phallic Pendant with Loops
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY A.D.
3 1/4 in. (52.4 grams, 83 mm).
A bronze horse harness pendant composed of three concentric circles surmounted by a bearded figure to which is attached a suspension ring, the body of the figure engraved and ending with phallic attributes.
Provenance
Acquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Literature
Cf. Fernández González, J.J., ‘Around Eras del Bosque (Palencia) and the pieces of harness from the Roman Necropolis’ in Oppidum, Cuadernos de investigaciόn, no.17, Segovia, 2021, pp.61-76, fig.7, for similar harness pendant.
Footnotes
Roman military harness included pendants of various typology, ranging from lunules to other decorative elements, often phallic, with the possible intention of protecting the animal. This particular pendant could be connected to the bearded image of the god Priapus.
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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Roman to Civil War Artefact Group
1st-17th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £26
A group of detector finds including lead trade weights, thimbles, buckles, seals, buttons and other items. 1.87 kg total, 19-78 mm
Found UK. Ex property of a Nottingham, UK, collector. -
Roman Phallic Pendant with Loops
Circa 1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
A bronze horse harness pendant composed of three concentric circles surmounted by a bearded figure to which is attached a suspension ring, the body of the figure engraved and ending with phallic attributes. 52.4 grams, 83 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
Roman military harness included pendants of various typology, ranging from lunules to other decorative elements, often phallic, with the possible intention of protecting the animal. This particular pendant could be connected to the bearded image of the god Priapus. -
Roman Herm of the God Hermes
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £208
A bronze herm lock element representing the god Hermes, with a stylised and beardless face, long hair descending with two parallel lines on the chest with engraved stylised caduceus, finial with a plinth and a squared pin to the reverse. 110 grams, 16 cm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
This miniature herm, with a stylised caduceus engraved on the breast, possibly represents the god Hermes. It could have been used as a lock for a casket or a box where money was kept. Hermes was the protector of homes, symbolised by the Herma (from Hermes), a square or rectangular pillar of stone or bronze topped by a bust of the god.