Phallic amulets were often hung in doorways of Roman houses and shops to protect against evil spirits; the amulets often had bells attached to them, the sounds of which was also believed to ward off evil. Amulets of bronze, brass, coral, bone or gold in the shape of a phallus were often worn as rings or pendants by both children and adults as protection. As well as offering protection against evil, the phallus was also used as a symbol of prosperity and fertility.
The phallic symbol is linked with the god Priapus, who was always depicted with an exaggerated erect penis. Images of him were popular in wall-painting and as bronze statuettes. As well as being considered a protector of property Priapus was the god of the fertility of gardens and farms.
It was after a trip to Naples and visiting the National Archaeological Museum; I was inspired after going into the Gabinetto Segretto (Secret Room) where all the 'adult' sculptures, mosaics and winged phallus' were kept, including the well known Pan and Goat sculpture.This phallus was hand sculpted, cast in resin and painted with a glass paint; the wings were silvertone and were attached so that they hung loosely and had some movement to the piece. I had seen these mother-of-pearl beads that I thought would look quite good to attach the winged phallus to the memory wire choker.
