Lot

046

Roman phallic amulet

In Auction 5 - Charity Auction 2024

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El Campello , Alicante
ITEM: Phallic amulet
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 32 mm x 15 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Spanish private collection, bought in English auction house. Ex English private collection, Oxfordshire, acquired from Alan Cherry of Bournemouth between 2003 - 2005

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman phallic amulets, known as fascina (plural of fascinum), were widespread symbols of protection, particularly against the evil eye, in Roman culture. These small, often intricately carved amulets typically depicted the male genitalia and were considered potent talismans for warding off negative influences and harmful magic. The Romans believed that the image of the phallus had the power to avert misfortune and bring good luck, due to its association with fertility, strength, and vitality. Phallic amulets could be made from materials such as bronze, bone, or terracotta, and were worn as jewelry or placed in homes, businesses, and even public spaces like crossroads and gates to ensure protective benefits.

These amulets were not limited to personal adornment but were also incorporated into broader social and religious contexts. In Roman households, phallic symbols could be found on doorways or incorporated into the decor to protect the home from malevolent spirits. Additionally, children, who were considered particularly vulnerable to harm, were often given phallic amulets to wear around their necks or as part of their clothing to shield them from danger. The presence of these symbols in everyday life reflects the deeply ingrained superstitious beliefs in ancient Roman society, where the need for protection was a constant concern.

Beyond their apotropaic (warding-off) function, phallic amulets also reflected Roman attitudes toward sexuality and masculinity. The open display of the phallus was not considered vulgar but rather a symbol of life, virility, and generative power. This frankness about sexual symbols stood in contrast to later cultural norms and reveals the Roman perspective on sexuality as a natural and essential force.

ITEM: Phallic amulet
MATERIAL: Bronze
CULTURE: Roman
PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D
DIMENSIONS: 32 mm x 15 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Spanish private collection, bought in English auction house. Ex English private collection, Oxfordshire, acquired from Alan Cherry of Bournemouth between 2003 - 2005

Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice.

Roman phallic amulets, known as fascina (plural of fascinum), were widespread symbols of protection, particularly against the evil eye, in Roman culture. These small, often intricately carved amulets typically depicted the male genitalia and were considered potent talismans for warding off negative influences and harmful magic. The Romans believed that the image of the phallus had the power to avert misfortune and bring good luck, due to its association with fertility, strength, and vitality. Phallic amulets could be made from materials such as bronze, bone, or terracotta, and were worn as jewelry or placed in homes, businesses, and even public spaces like crossroads and gates to ensure protective benefits.

These amulets were not limited to personal adornment but were also incorporated into broader social and religious contexts. In Roman households, phallic symbols could be found on doorways or incorporated into the decor to protect the home from malevolent spirits. Additionally, children, who were considered particularly vulnerable to harm, were often given phallic amulets to wear around their necks or as part of their clothing to shield them from danger. The presence of these symbols in everyday life reflects the deeply ingrained superstitious beliefs in ancient Roman society, where the need for protection was a constant concern.

Beyond their apotropaic (warding-off) function, phallic amulets also reflected Roman attitudes toward sexuality and masculinity. The open display of the phallus was not considered vulgar but rather a symbol of life, virility, and generative power. This frankness about sexual symbols stood in contrast to later cultural norms and reveals the Roman perspective on sexuality as a natural and essential force.

Auction 5 - Charity Auction 2024

Sale Date(s)
Venue Address
Apartado de Correos 521
El Campello
Alicante
03560
Spain

3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.

3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.

3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the auction price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.

8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.

8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.

8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.

8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.

8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.

Important Information

Charity Auction 2024, 4% of hammer price will go to the Food Bank and Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). Ancient Art at the best price respecting and strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO heritage norms. Affordable in-house shipping.

Terms & Conditions

1. All ancient items offered for sale have been acquired strictly complying with the laws of heritage protection and UNESCO’s heritage norms, and guaranteed to be as described.

2. Our cataloguings, descriptions and certificates has been carried in accordance with their professional experience, previous investigation and checking against similar pieces catalogued in public collections, private collections or to be found in the art market.

3. EXPORT LICENSES: All pieces have the corresponding export license to be shipped out of Spain.

3.1 For bidders from the European Union, it is not necessary to apply for any additional export license, as the one included in the piece is valid.

3.2 For bidders outside the European Union it will be necessary to apply again for an export license for your country, this usually takes from 4 weeks to 6 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the auction price. This cost will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.

4. The bidder guarantees payment for the item(s). In case of discrepancy, the lot or lots may be offered for sale again.

5. All lots will sell to the highest bidder without hidden or confidential reserves. Prices marked as estimates (both minimum and maximum) are for reference only. The hammer price may be higher or lower depending on the demand.

6. PAYMENT POLICY: To provide a seamless bidder checkout, all winning lots will be invoiced through the system the bidder has chosen for the live auction, unless bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly via credit card (MasterCard or Visa), PayPal or Bank Wire Transfer. If bidder chooses to pay Your Antiquarian directly, bidder must contact us to arrange payment. Payments not made within 15 days of auction’s end will forfeit bidder’s right to purchase said item(s), with item(s) relisted to next appropriate auction.

6.1 If the customer wishes to pay through our website, we will generate a payment link and the customer can choose the payment method that is most suitable, payment by Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa or American Express), Bank Transfer or PayPal. Payment with PayPal is subject to an increase of 3% of the invoice.

7. BUYER’S PREMIUM: A 8% Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final price of each lot purchased.

8. The shipment, in general, take place within the three days following the receipt of payment, except in cases of agreement between both parties, in which case the client will be informed of the exact date and the means of dispatch. In the case where the country of destination is not Europe, the dispatching of the piece will take place in the same conditions stated, but counting from the receipt of the corresponding export permission issued by the Spanish authorities.

8.1. If you win more than one item, we can do a combined shipment and you will not be charged extra for it, unless one of the pieces won makes shipping more expensive.

8.2. Items will be shipped only upon receipt of payment in full and will be insured for their full value. For shipments outside Europe, customs and duties may apply upon entry in to customer country, and this fee, if any, is the buyer’s responsibility. We will not falsify customs value on international shipments! If you have questions about this, please inquire before bidding.

8.3. As a guideline, for a small parcel, our courier and insured shipping rates are: 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 39,95 € for America and Asia. If its a medium parcel, 9,95 € for Spain, 24,95 € for Europe, England and Switzerland and 69,95 € for America and Asia. In case it is large, heavy or for a value of more than 1000 euros may be increased slightly from the rates shown.

8.4 For pieces that are very fragile or very large in size/weight and that can only be shipped within the European Union, United Kingdom and neighbouring countries that can be transported by road will be shipped by private courier (door to door) and the price will be 350 euros, 100 euros for Spain.

9. RETURN POLICY: We have a no quibble 90 days return policy. We accept returns for any reason within 90 days of you receiving your item. The item(s) must returned in the same conditions in which the received (no damage or deterioration). The expenses that could derive from the return (transport, insurance, etc) will be at the expense of the buyer.

10. On the prevention of money laundering or terrorist financing, according with directive (EU) 2015/849 and 2018/843, all clients will be asked to provide proof of identification (valid passport, driving license, ID card and a proof of address) when purchasing or selling art works valued 10.000 € or more in a single or linked transaction. If you represent a company you will need to provide details of directors, evidence of incorporation and the ultimate beneficial owners.

11. QUESTIONS: For any questions, before / during and after the auction, feel free to email us: admin@yourantiquarian.com or a Whatsapp to the number +34 644811359. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.

Last update: September 28th, 2024

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Tags: Roman, Amulet