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Roman bronze phallus amulett

Price: on request
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Object number
AR3368-02
Object:       Amulet shaped as a phallus, so-called Fascinum or Fascinus

Material: Bronze

Date: About 1st century B.C. - 3rd century A.D.
Roman

Description:    Amulet shaped as an erected phallus to one side and as an arm to another side. With lug.
The Romans, as many modern societies, believed that certain people had the power to hurt others by their looks, the so-called "evil eye". The most popular amulet to avert the influence of the evil eye was the erect phallus, which can also be understood as a personification of the deity Fascinus. Such apotropaic amulets were carried hung round the neck, or placed in houses in gardens, on hearths or at working places.

Size: Height 52 mm, width 64 mm.

Condition: Perfectly preserved, strong patina.

Provenance: Acquired 2022 in a Swiss auction house. Ex Swiss private collection Odermatt, acquired in the 1970s - 1980s.

Authenticity: We unconditionally guarantee the authenticity of every artefact, all items are subject to our lifetime return policy on authenticity.