Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A fine gathering of 8 cast leaded-bronze phallic pendants bearing petite sizes as well as layers of green and brown patina throughout. Each pendant features a slender shaft and a perpendicular set of testicles, all with an integral suspension loop above. A set of 4 phalluses have conical, delineated tips, while 2 have gently upturned tips, and the remaining 2 bear angular tips. Pendants such as these were often worn by soldiers in the field - as a sign of their masculinity - as well as by newlywed husbands hoping to increase their virility. In addition, disembodied examples like these were used as what Pliny described as a "medicus invidiae" to ward against bad luck and evil forces. Size of largest: 1.47" L x 0.57" W (3.7 cm x 1.4 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#142864
Condition
All pieces have minor abrasions and light encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina throughout.