Description:

Roman North Africa, ca. 3rd century CE. A simple four-armed cross with a loop for suspension on one long arm and three arms terminating in v's whose ends are well-rendered erect phalluses. This piece seems highly subversive today - designer Tom Ford recently made a similar piece that was met with outrage - but it reflects an older Roman tradition. Small bronze phallus pendants were often used as wards against the evil eye. This would not have been seen as blasphemy, but rather as protective. Size: 3.7" W x 5" H (9.4 cm x 12.7 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private LA County collection formed over the period between 1980 and 2000.

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#119821

  • Condition: Dark patina overall with small surface cracks at some of the phallus roots

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January 18, 2017 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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