amulet;
cast(copy)
- Museum number
- WITT.171
- Description
-
Plaster cast of bronze amulet in form of phallus below grotesque head.
- Dimensions
-
Length: 1.75 inches
- Curator's comments
- Text from Witt Manuscript Catalogue. 'Roman', no. 97:
'Cast of a similar Fascinum adorned with a grotesque mask in front, from the original in bronze in the Museum of the Louvre.'
The reference to 'similar' is to the 'Roman' catalogue entry for no. 95:
'... The use of these devices always associated with the phallic or generative function, so commonly found among ancient remains, is intended for the aversion of the Evil eye. The variety and number of these objects shew the universality of this superstition not only among the Greeks and Romans but in almost every nation in the world, although the custom may have been derived from the East where it still prevails in its original integrity, it now exists in Naples and throughout Southern Italy to an almost incredible degree.'
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1865
- Department
- Britain, Europe and Prehistory
- Registration number
- WITT.171
- Additional IDs
-
Miscellaneous number: 97 (Witt Collection MSS Catalogue - 'Roman' (yellow label))
-
Miscellaneous number: W.171
