Roman Phallic Pendant

$157.96

An amuletic phallic pendant made from bronze. The pendant features a top suspension loop and an unmodelled, hollow reverse.

 

Date: Circa 3rd - 4th Century AD
Condition: Fine condition; complete and intact with brown patination.

SOLD

SKU: AS-3297 Category: Tags: , ,

Phallic emblems are found on a wide range of Roman objects, from amulets to frescoes, from mosaics to lamps. Such pendants were a symbol of fertility, as well as performing an apotropaic function.

The phallic deity was called Fascinus, from the Latin word ‘fascinare’, meaning “to cast a spell”. Charms and amulets shaped as phalluses were worn to invoke the god’s protection against evil spells, and were a common piece of jewellery in ancient Rome. According to Pliny the Elder, charms of this kind were worn even by babies and soldiers.

For more information on apotropaic amulets, please read our blog post: Apotropaic Art: Amulets and Phallic Pendants in Ancient Cultures.

Weight 27 g
Dimensions H 4.50 cm
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