Ancient Roman, Imperial Era Bronze Rare Phallus Amulet

Rare Unique

Piece Extremely rare phallus amulet: 1st–4th century AD.

Size: 35mm

Material: Bronze

In ancient Roman religion and magic, the Fascinus embodied the divine phallus. Augustine noted that phallic effigies were carried in annual processions during the festival of Father Liber, a Roman god equated with Dionysus, to protect fields from magical curses. These pendants were worn by people of all backgrounds as symbols of luck, fertility, health, and for their apotropaic protective qualities. According to Varro and Pliny the Elder, such amulets were especially worn by young children to ward off the evil eye, believed to threaten both infants and victorious generals. Though few depictions of people wearing phallus amulets exist, the practice of adorning babies with them is documented. Some amulets were likely worn facing outward to deflect misfortune or danger before it could reach the wearer.