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Bronze phallic ornament

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Eros, God of Love

Eros, God of Love
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Bronze phallic amulet

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Bronze phallic ornament

Bronze phallic ornament

Bronze phallic amulet

Bronze phallic amulet

Bronze phallic amulet

Bronze phallic amulet

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Bronze phallic ornament

Period:
Imperial
Date:
1st century A.D.
Culture:
Roman
Medium:
Bronze
Dimensions:
L. 4 1/16 in. (10.3 cm.)
Classification:
Bronzes
Credit Line:
Gift of A. Hyatt Mayor, 1960
Accession Number:
60.117.1

This artwork is currently on display in Gallery 171

  • Description

    This ornament probably hung as a charm from a tintinnabulum, a wind chime adorned with bells and intended to ward off evil. These phallic tintinnabula were doubly apotropaic, the protective effect of the phallus strengthened by the ringing of the bells. The phallus on these objects could take many different forms, transforming into a wolf, dog, beast, lion, monster, or winged creature.

  • Provenance

    Said to be from Italica (near modern Seville, southern Spain)

  • References

    For similiar pendadnts and further references cf. S. Boucher, Vienne: Bronzes Antiques (Paris, 1971) pp. 100-101, nos. 59-63.

  • See also
    What
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    In the Museum
    Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
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