Bronze Phallus Pendant

One of 2 replica pendants taken from the museum's Richel collection. Sold with a green ribbon attached, but could also be used as a keyring. 'Phallic charms, (Fascinus) often winged, were ubiquitous in Roman culture, appearing as objects of jewellery such as pendants and finger rings, relief carvings, lamps, and wind chimes. Fascinus was thought particularly to ward off evil from children, mainly boys, and from conquering generals. The protective function of the phallus is usually related to the virile and regenerative powers of an erect phallus, though in most cases the emotion, shame, or laughter created by obscenity is the power that diverts the evil eye.