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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.
ProvenanceAcquired before 2000.
From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK.
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.
FootnotesRoman 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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Roman Equine Protome
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A bronze zoomorphic equine protome formed as the forequarters of a galloping horse, with a round-section body and semi-naturalistic detailing to the head and mane; perforation to the upper edge of the body for attachment. 55 grams, 57 mm
Found UK. Acquired in the 1970s, Yorkshire, UK. Property of a Bedfordshire, UK, gentleman.
The bronze equine protome belongs to a well-known category of objects used to fasten caskets or furniture with animal protomes, especially panthers and horses, animals connected to the procession of the god Dionysus. -
Roman Phallic Pendant
2nd-4th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
A copper-alloy phallic pendant with stylised anatomical detailing, integral suspension loop above. 11.4 grams, 37 mm
Acquired before 2000. From the collection of a European gentleman living in the UK. -
Roman Glass Unguentarium
2nd century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
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