Bronze phallic amulet

1st century CE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 171

Phallic emblems are found on a wide range of Roman objects, from amulets to frescoes to mosaics to lamps. They were symbols intended to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits. As the ancient author Pliny attests, even babies and soldiers wore such charms to invite divine protection.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Title: Bronze phallic amulet
Period: Imperial
Date: 1st century CE
Culture: Roman
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: L. 1 11/16 in. (4.3 cm.)
Classification: Bronzes
Credit Line: Gift of A. Hyatt Mayor, 1960
Object Number: 60.117.2
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

More Artwork

In the same gallery

In the same medium

From the same time and place

A slider containing 5 items.
Press the down key to skip to the last item.

Bronze phallic amulet, Bronze, Roman — Bronze phallic amulet
Roman
1st century CE

Bronze phallic ornament, Bronze, Roman — Bronze phallic ornament
Roman
1st century CE

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.