C. 1st-2nd Century AD

A large interesting cast bronze phallic pendant with incised detail featuring three different symbols: the phallus to the right, male genitalia at the centre and the manus fica (a rude hand gesture) to the left side.  The ‘manus fica’, “fig hand”, was an obscene hand gesture, which was thought to represent female genitalia. All three symbols were intended to ward off the Evil Eye. During the Lemuria festival, the pater familias, (the head of the family) would make the manus fica sign to ward evil spirits away from the household. It has a loop at the top for suspension.

Tip of finger missing with minor chips to edges and some scratch marks with earthy surface deposits, otherwise intact with a nice green patina and good detail.

Ref: Similar example in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Object Number: 60.117.7.

Size: 79mm length