Ancient Roman Bronze Apotropaic Bronze Fertility Phallic Amulet (No reserve price)
02
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21
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Current bid
€ 5
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
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Description from the seller
This authentic ancient Roman bronze amulet features a rare and intriguing double-headed form, commonly interpreted by scholars as a phallic fertility symbol, possibly combined with female (vulva) symbolism. Such deliberately ambiguous forms were typical in Roman apotropaic art, where symbolism often merged male and female attributes to enhance protective power.
Phallic amulets (known as fascina) were widely worn in Roman society as protective charms, believed to:
ward off the evil eye
bring good fortune
promote fertility and vitality
Double-ended or abstract examples like this are especially associated with apotropaic magic, emphasizing balance, renewal, and generative force rather than literal representation.
The amulet is equipped with a suspension loop, indicating it was intended to be worn on a cord or chain, either on the body or attached to clothing. The surface shows a natural burial patina, confirming genuine antiquity and long use.
Such objects were used by men, women, and children in Roman daily life and were socially accepted symbols of protection and well-being.
Culture: Ancient Roman Empire
Date: ca. 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Bronze
Function: Apotropaic / Fertility amulet
Condition: Complete; good archaeological condition with natural patina and wear consistent with age
Mounting: Suspension loop intact
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 16mm
This authentic ancient Roman bronze amulet features a rare and intriguing double-headed form, commonly interpreted by scholars as a phallic fertility symbol, possibly combined with female (vulva) symbolism. Such deliberately ambiguous forms were typical in Roman apotropaic art, where symbolism often merged male and female attributes to enhance protective power.
Phallic amulets (known as fascina) were widely worn in Roman society as protective charms, believed to:
ward off the evil eye
bring good fortune
promote fertility and vitality
Double-ended or abstract examples like this are especially associated with apotropaic magic, emphasizing balance, renewal, and generative force rather than literal representation.
The amulet is equipped with a suspension loop, indicating it was intended to be worn on a cord or chain, either on the body or attached to clothing. The surface shows a natural burial patina, confirming genuine antiquity and long use.
Such objects were used by men, women, and children in Roman daily life and were socially accepted symbols of protection and well-being.
Culture: Ancient Roman Empire
Date: ca. 1st–3rd century AD
Material: Bronze
Function: Apotropaic / Fertility amulet
Condition: Complete; good archaeological condition with natural patina and wear consistent with age
Mounting: Suspension loop intact
Material: Bronze
Dimensions: 16mm
Details
Culture
Ancient Roman
Century/ Timeframe
Circa, AD. 1st–4th c.
Name of object
Apotropaic Bronze Fertility Phallic Amulet
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2024
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1998
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
