Lot 79A
Pair of Roman Copper Phallic & Anthropomorphic Amulets
Pair of Roman Copper Phallic & Anthropomorphic Amulets
Starting Bid: $300
(0 Bids)- Register to Bid
- To increase your bid limit, Get Verified .
Roman, Imperial period, ca. 1st to 3rd century CE. A fascinating pair of Roman copper alloy amulets, each cast in a highly stylized anthropomorphic form with potent symbolic undertones. Both feature suspension loops above abstracted bodies, marking them as pendants intended to be worn for protection and good fortune. The more petite example takes on a distinctly phallic character, with two small phalluses extending laterally at the shoulders and a larger member projecting forward from the center beneath the body. This triple phallic arrangement is strongly linked to apotropaic power in Roman culture, where representations of the fascinus (the divine phallus) were believed to avert the evil eye and bring prosperity. The flared base and schematic shaping suggest both human and generative qualities combined in one talismanic form. Size of larger: 1.8" L x 1.4" W (4.6 cm x 3.6 cm)
The larger amulet, by contrast, is diamond-shaped with a central cutout and rounded lateral projections, evoking a torso with outstretched arms. While less explicitly sexual, its bold geometric outline and circular void may equally reflect ideas of fertility, vitality, and continuity. Copper alloy, admired in antiquity for its durability and luster, was a common medium for amulets, ensuring their use in both daily life and ritual practice. The surfaces of these pendants display rich patinas of brown and green, evidence of their centuries-long burial and preservation. Together, this pair encapsulates the Roman conviction that power resided not just in naturalistic images, but in the abstract and symbolic.
Provenance: private Dayton, Maryland, USA collection; ex-private F. B. collection, Maryland, USA, acquired between 1990 - 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195840
- Condition: Both have weathering to surface commensurate with age, but are otherwise intact and very nice with rich patina. More petite is wearable, but larger is not recommended for wear due to fragility of suspension loop.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |