An Ancient Roman-Egyptian light blue glass amulet in the form of a realistically modelled phallus with a scrotum. Two bands of vertical grooves depict pubic hair. The amulet is pierced at the top horizontally for suspension, the reverse is slightly concave and unworked. There are minor indentations across the piece and some fading of colour. Some encrustation and scratches visible to the surface. The reverse displays areas of iridescence. Phallic emblems are found on a wide range of Roman objects, from amulets to frescoes, from mosaics to lamps. Such pendants were a symbol of fertility, as well as performing an apotropaic function. The phallic deity was called Fascinus, from the Latin word ‘fascinare’, meaning “to cast a spell”. Charms and amulets shaped as phalluses were worn to invoke the god’s protection against evil spells and were a common piece of jewellery in ancient Rome. According to Pliny the Elder, charms of this kind were worn even by babies and soldiers. Measurements: L 2cm x W 1.1cm Provenance: Ex. early 20th century U.K collection