Roman phallic amulet

Roman phallic amulet
ITEM: Phallic amulet
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 32 mm x 15 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Spanish private collection, bought in English auction house. Ex English private collection, Oxfordshire, acquired from Alan Cherry of Bournemouth between 2003 - 2005

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman phallic amulets, known as fascina (plural of fascinum), were widespread symbols of protection, particularly against the evil eye, in Roman culture. These small, often intricately carved amulets typically depicted the male genitalia and were considered potent talismans for warding off negative influences and harmful magic. The Romans believed that the image of the phallus had the power to avert misfortune and bring good luck, due to its association with fertility, strength, and vitality. Phallic amulets could be made from materials such as bronze, bone, or terracotta, and were worn as jewelry or placed in homes, businesses, and even public spaces like crossroads and gates to ensure protective benefits.

These amulets were not limited to personal adornment but were also incorporated into broader social and religious contexts. In Roman households, phallic symbols could be found on doorways or incorporated into the decor to protect the home from malevolent spirits. Additionally, children, who were considered particularly vulnerable to harm, were often given phallic amulets to wear around their necks or as part of their clothing to shield them from danger. The presence of these symbols in everyday life reflects the deeply ingrained superstitious beliefs in ancient Roman society, where the need for protection was a constant concern.

Beyond their apotropaic (warding-off) function, phallic amulets also reflected Roman attitudes toward sexuality and masculinity. The open display of the phallus was not considered vulgar but rather a symbol of life, virility, and generative power. This frankness about sexual symbols stood in contrast to later cultural norms and reveals the Roman perspective on sexuality as a natural and essential force.

Measurement:

1.5 x 3.2 cm