A Graeco-Roman gold phallic amulet

A Graeco-Roman gold phallic amulet.

Circa 1st century AD.

The rigid repoussé sheet gold pendant amulet in the form of male genitalia with two rows of curled pubic hair, with a ribbed tubular suspension hoop. The plain sheet gold backing with a triangular vent. On the reverse an old label with the inventory number 20S.C.

Provenance

Louis De Clercq (1836 – 1901) Collection, Oignies, France, acquired from the above by 1882.

Thence by descent to his grand-nephew Comte Henri de Boisgelin (1901 – 1967), rue de Mazarine, Paris.

Literature

The rigid repoussé sheet gold pendant amulet in the form of male genitalia with two rows of curled pubic hair, with a ribbed tubular suspension hoop. The plain sheet gold backing with a triangular vent. On the reverse an old label with the inventory number 20S.C.

Such amulets were worn to ward off evil and promote good luck. They invoked the power of the fascinus, the sacred image of the phallus that was one of the tokens of the safety of the Roman state. Fascinus was thought particularly to ward off evil from children, mainly boys, and from conquering generals. The protective function of the phallus is usually related to the virile and regenerative powers of an erect phallus, though in most cases the emotion, shame, or laughter created by obscenity is the power that diverts the evil eye.

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance