These pendants were seen as symbols of fertility among the Ancient Romans. The phallus was often shown erect, and worn so that the tip of the charm pointed outwards, away from its wearer: it was thought that the laughter, shame or wider emotion elicited from the charm would ward off the evil eye. These pendants also were thought to invoke the protection of the phallic deity, Fascinus, whose name comes from the Latin ‘fascinare’, meaning “to cast a spell”. Romans would often gift these pendants to generals following avictory; the charms would be placed under their chariots for protection. Pliny the Elder also reported that in addition to soldiers, babies too would wear such pendants.
For more information on apotropaic amulets please see our blog post: Apotropaic Art: Amulets and Phallic Pendants in Ancient Cultures
