Roman Empire Bronze “The Sacred Talisman of Fertility” — Enigmatic Bronze Erotic Amulet (No reserve price)
03
days
15
hours
22
minutes
57
seconds
Current bid
€ 23
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
 | €23 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €20 | |
| €15 | |
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An original bronze pendant from the Roman Empire, titled “The Sacred Talisman of Fertility” — Enigmatic Bronze Erotic Amulet, dating to circa 1st–4th century AD, in good condition with a modern silver-coloured ring and chain.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
An unusual and evocative bronze figurative pendant featuring exaggerated anatomical forms, reminiscent of the fertility and protective symbolism found throughout the ancient Mediterranean world.
The object presents a fascinating sculptural composition, combining a stylised human figure with prominent rounded features and an elongated projection that may carry phallic symbolism.
Its distinctive shape, three-dimensional modelling and rich green-brown patinated appearance give the pendant a striking and mysterious character.
Fertility, Life and Creative Power
In the ancient world, representations of the human body and sexual anatomy frequently carried meanings beyond erotic expression.
Such imagery could symbolise fertility, vitality, abundance, regeneration and the continuation of life.
Within Roman culture, phallic symbols were particularly associated with good fortune and the protection of individuals and households.
The Fascinum — Protection Against the Evil Eye
The Romans recognised the fascinum, a phallic protective symbol believed to ward off harmful influences, especially the evil eye.
Phallic amulets appeared in different forms, sometimes incorporating unusual combinations of human, animal and anatomical features.
The present pendant's exaggerated figurative design invites comparison with this broader tradition of protective and fertility-related imagery, although its precise original meaning remains uncertain.
An Enigmatic Wearable Talisman
The pendant features a suspension opening and is presented with a modern silver-coloured ring and chain.
Its sculptural silhouette and textured surface create an unusual piece of jewellery, combining the visual language of ancient fertility symbolism with a distinctive contemporary presentation.
An evocative talisman of vitality, fertility and protective power — celebrating the enduring mystery of ancient symbolic imagery.
An unusual and evocative bronze figurative pendant featuring exaggerated anatomical forms, reminiscent of the fertility and protective symbolism found throughout the ancient Mediterranean world.
The object presents a fascinating sculptural composition, combining a stylised human figure with prominent rounded features and an elongated projection that may carry phallic symbolism.
Its distinctive shape, three-dimensional modelling and rich green-brown patinated appearance give the pendant a striking and mysterious character.
Fertility, Life and Creative Power
In the ancient world, representations of the human body and sexual anatomy frequently carried meanings beyond erotic expression.
Such imagery could symbolise fertility, vitality, abundance, regeneration and the continuation of life.
Within Roman culture, phallic symbols were particularly associated with good fortune and the protection of individuals and households.
The Fascinum — Protection Against the Evil Eye
The Romans recognised the fascinum, a phallic protective symbol believed to ward off harmful influences, especially the evil eye.
Phallic amulets appeared in different forms, sometimes incorporating unusual combinations of human, animal and anatomical features.
The present pendant's exaggerated figurative design invites comparison with this broader tradition of protective and fertility-related imagery, although its precise original meaning remains uncertain.
An Enigmatic Wearable Talisman
The pendant features a suspension opening and is presented with a modern silver-coloured ring and chain.
Its sculptural silhouette and textured surface create an unusual piece of jewellery, combining the visual language of ancient fertility symbolism with a distinctive contemporary presentation.
An evocative talisman of vitality, fertility and protective power — celebrating the enduring mystery of ancient symbolic imagery.
Details
Culture
Roman Empire
Century/timeframe
circa 1st–4th century AD
Name of object
“The Sacred Talisman of Fertility” — Enigmatic Bronze Erotic Amulet
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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