{"product_id":"roman-bronze-hand-pendant-manicula-1st-3rd-c-ce-hand-amulet","title":"Roman Bronze Hand Pendant - 'Manicula' (1st–3rd c. CE)","description":"\u003cp\u003eA cast Roman bronze pendant-amulet, 'Manicula', made as a closed fist with the thumb pushed between index and middle finger: the mano fica, worn against the evil eye. A short collared wrist leads to an integral pierced suspension loop, intact for cord or chain.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Motif:\u003cbr\u003eThe fist shows one folded finger on one side of the thumb and three on the other, their knuckles cut as a stepped row. The thumb is cast long and straight, an exaggeration typical of small fica pendants that makes the gesture readable at a glance. The fica was an obscene sign, meant to catch the envious gaze and turn it away from the wearer before it could bring misfortune.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDetails:\u003cbr\u003eEra: Roman\u003cbr\u003eMaterial: Bronze\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: Overall height: 27 mm; Width: 16 mm; Thickness: 2 mm\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Dark green and brown patina with earthen deposits; wear smooths the knuckles and the tip of the thumb; suspension loop intact and complete.\u003cbr\u003eProvenance: Private collection of A.A., Copenhagen, Denmark; previously acquired on the German art market; originally from the Levant.\u003cbr\u003eUnique Identifier: CP-64-B\u003cbr\u003eAuthenticity: Comes with certificate of authenticity\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRestoration and Authenticity:\u003cbr\u003eThis piece is preserved in its untouched state, showing natural aging and patina from centuries of burial and wear. For those who prefer a refreshed look, a professional restoration service is available, reviving original detail while respecting historical integrity.\u003cbr\u003eIf you’d like to book a restoration, simply add the restoration option along with your order or book it as the additional product in my shop.\u003cbr\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity is included.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Context:\u003cbr\u003eCast fica-hand pendants belong to the Roman family of apotropaic amulets, made by lost-wax casting in bronze with an integral loop for a cord or chain and finished by hand. The British Museum's catalogue of Roman jewellery lists the type among its amuletic pendants, beside the phalli (Marshall 1911, no. 2964). The fica worked like the phallic fascinum: its sexual charge was thought to distract the evil eye and break its force. Charms of this kind were worn by adults and children alike, often strung together with other protective devices.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWorn against the body, 'Manicula' made the fica a constant guard against envy for its owner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExplore more \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/roman-empire-charms\"\u003eRoman pendants\u003c\/a\u003e from our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aurora Antiqua","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":63958842409290,"sku":"CP-64-B","price":350.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0897\/7140\/9738\/files\/roman-bronze-hand-pendant-manicula-seen-from-the-side-with-extended-finger-and-p-1.jpg?v=1792223090","url":"https:\/\/auroraantiqua.com\/products\/roman-bronze-hand-pendant-manicula-1st-3rd-c-ce-hand-amulet","provider":"Aurora Antiqua","version":"1.0","type":"link"}