Ancient Roman Amulets

Several of the amulets below depict the Roman mythological character known as "Baubo", a sort of "goddess of obscenity". Legend relates that Baubo drew laughter from the grieving Demeter (whose mourning was depriving the world of fertility) by lifting her skirts to expose herself.

	Glass Amulets of Baubo Egypt, circa 2nd - 1st Century A.D. Each depicts Baubo nude, her knees bent, her legs spread to either side, her hands resting on her abdomen, with her hair pulled back in a bun. Provenance: Christie's, Park Avenue, NY The Haddad Collection, London
	Roman Faience Amulets Egypt, circa 1st - 3rd century A.D. Seven of these are in the form of the "mano fica", the fisted hand with the thumb thrust between the index and middle finger, each pierced through the wrist for suspension. The remainder are in the form of male genitalia, each with a suspension loop above. 15/16 inch (2.4 cm) long for the longest. Provenance: Christie's, Park Avenue, NY The Haddad Collection, London
	Roman Gold and Agate Earring Circa 2nd - 3rd century A.D. Composed of a circular box set with a cabochon agate, a suspension loop above originally attached to now-missing earwires, two small loops on the sides joined to lengths of looped chain, their ends perhaps originally set with a stone or glass bead, and two loops below pinned to the loop of a pendant amulet in the form of a "mano fica" wearing a bracelet, the details of the knuckles and nails incised. 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) long. Provenance: Christie's, Park Avenue, NY The Haddad Collection, London Derek J. Content, Inc.

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