Roman, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. This is an interesting hand carved stone amulet in the form of a phallus, symbolic of virility and fertility. The male genitalia are quite naturalistic, featuring a flaccid, curved penis over round testicles with incised swirls as pubic hair above. Attached atop the pendant is a suspension loop to string this piece on a cord as a protective pendant. Pendants such as this 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 and fertility. In addition, disembodied examples like this were used as what Pliny described as a "medicus invidiae" to ward against bad luck and evil forces. The loop on this example is intact and perfect, and still could be worn today as a very bold accessory. Size: 1" L x 0.5" W (2.5 cm x 1.3 cm); 2" H (5.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#143755
Condition
Intact and very good. Minor surface abrasions. Suspension loop is intact and could be strung and worn if one intended to wear this.