CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.

Details

A ROMAN BRONZE AMULET
CIRCA 1ST-2ND CENTURY A.D.
Incorporating a phallus to the left, male genitalia at the center, and mano fica to the right, the fisted hand with the thumb thrust between the index finger and middle finger, surmounted by a well-modelled eagle, its wings spread, a large suspension loop above, two smaller loops below
3¼ in. (8.2 cm.) high

Provenance

Nancy Mallen, London, 1972.

Lot Essay

The mano fica gesture has often been thought to represent either female genitalia or the act of intercourse. When combined with the phallus and male genitalia, a potent apotropaic device is created. For a discussion of the type see pp. 72-74 in Johns, Sex or Symbol? Erotic Images of Greece and Rome.

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