AMULET

A complete bone amulet, of probable Roman date in the form of a winged phallus. The pair of triangular shaped wings project from either side of the base of the phallus, their front faces decorated with horizontal zig-zag grooves at towards the front and vertical grooves towards the rear representing feathers. The phallus is straight, cylindrical in form, its head moulded and separated by deeply incised grooves that give it form. On the reverse the testicles are also moulded and protruding from between the pair of wings. There is no sign of any pendant loop or other pendant device. It measures 27.94mm in length, 35.66mm in width across the wings and 7.14mm in width across the phallus. Phallic pendants were utilised in the Roman period as protective charms and often associated with Roman military activity (see Plouviez, 2007: 157-164). The current winged example differs from typical examples through its production in bone, its wings, and its lack of a definite means of suspension or attachment. However, it may well have served a similar function and is likely to be Roman in date.