Description:

Roman-controlled Egypt, Alexandria, Late Ptolemaic to early Roman period, ca. 1st century BCE to 1st century CE. A miniscule yet highly symbolic hand-formed carnelian triple phallus pendant of gorgeous, fiery citrine hues with scattered areas of crimson inclusions. The pendant depicts a trio of phallic forms, two of which extend laterally and flank a third drooping phallus set above a large pair of dangling testes. The pendant is perforated through the top of the middle phallus with a 10K gold teardrop-shaped loop for suspension. Phalluses are common Roman symbols and, when depicted disembodied like these, were used as what Pliny wrote of as a "medicus invidiae" to ward against the evil eye. Size: 0.75" W (1.9 cm)

Provenance: private Los Angeles County, California, USA collection

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#134834

  • Condition: Wearable as shown. Bead is ancient and gold components are modern. Surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age, light fading to finer incised details, and some minor wear within carnelian perforation. Light earthen deposits within recessed areas.

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June 20, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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