Description: A pale blue faience amulet in the form of a phallus with scrotum and pubic area above, a ribbed suspension loop on top, with flat back. The glaze worn exposing the paler core, but complete.
Size: 19 mm/0.7 in. high
Culture: Egyptian
Date: Roman Period, c. 30 B.C. - 395 A.D.
Provenance: From the collection of Julian Bird (1959-2014) and acquired at Timeline Auctions, London, in 2011. Previously in the Terry Eva Collection, London, assembled in the 1970s-1980s. Terence Eva was a notable London private collector.
Background; Julian Bird was a passionate collector of Egyptian antiquities, who built up a fine and extensive collection from the 1970s onwards. He sourced his items mainly from the UK market, from specialist dealers, fairs, markets and auctioneers. He was a model collector, carefully documenting his collection, and his notes on this particular item will be supplied to the buyer.
Notes: Phallus amulets were regarded as bestowing protection and magical preservation of the male sexual organ.
