Roman - Silver Priapus Pendant > Lot No. 673

Description:
Circa 1st century AD. Priapus or his Roman counterpart, Mutunus Tutunus, bearded and naked; no arms; legs terminating in a small circular base; a large suspension loop attached either side of the head.

Measurements:
7.69 grams, 40 mm.

Condition:
Very fine with good detail and in a good state of preservation. Wearable.

Provenance:
Property of a gentleman.

Comments notes:
Sex in Roman times was a symbol of power and therefore the phallic symbol stood for power in Roman society. Priapus was the Greek protector of gardens, domestic animals and fruits. He was a son of Dionysus and Aphrodite, and a strong phallic fertility deity. Carved images of Priapus, with large ithyphallic genitals, were placed in fields and gardens to ensure fruitfulness and protection. This god was imported into Rome from Lampascus where Pausanias reported he was supreme among all gods. The Roman Priapus was far more popular than his Greek version.

Estimate: £300 - 500 (EUR 370 - 620; USD 470 - 790)

Auction date: Thursday 9th September 2010 at The Swedenborg Hall 20-21 Bloomsbury Way
London WC1A 2TH

Sold for: £260