Asta Bidspirit | Roman amulet depicting Diana

Roman amulet depicting Diana - ITEM: Amulet depicting Diana MATERIAL: Lead CULTURE: Roman PERIOD: 1st - 3rd Century A.D DIMENSIONS: 33 mm x 25 mm CONDITION: Good condition PROVENANCE: Ex European private collection, Ex Galerie Mythes et Légemdes (1989), Ex private collection, J.P., Switzerland Comes with Certificate of Authenticity and Export Licence. If you are from outside the European Union, we will have to apply for the export licence again for your country, this takes 3 to 5 weeks and has a cost of 5% of the hammer price, this amount will be added to the final invoice. Roman Diana amulets were small, portable objects bearing the image or symbol of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, the moon, and wild animals. Diana was one of the most widely worshipped deities in Roman religion, associated with nature, fertility, and protection. As a goddess who was believed to have the power to safeguard women and children, as well as to offer protection in the wild and during childbirth, Diana was a popular figure to invoke for various forms of protection. The amulets dedicated to her were often worn for personal protection or as a symbol of devotion, ensuring that the wearer would benefit from her blessings and protection, particularly from dangers related to the wilderness, health, and childbirth. The design of Roman Diana amulets was highly varied, depending on the material used and the intended use of the amulet. Many amulets depicted Diana in her traditional form, often shown with a bow and arrow, accompanied by a stag or hunting dog. This imagery reinforced her role as a protector of the wilderness and a symbol of independence and strength. Other amulets featured her symbolically, represented by simple motifs such as the crescent moon or a stag, which were associated with her as a lunar and huntress deity. These amulets were typically crafted from materials such as bronze, silver, or glass and were worn as necklaces, rings, or as pendants on bracelets, often by women or children seeking her protection. Diana amulets were especially significant in Roman society, as they were believed to offer both personal and spiritual benefits. For women, Diana was seen as a guardian of fertility and childbirth, and her amulets were worn by expectant mothers or women seeking to become pregnant. These amulets were also used by individuals involved in outdoor activities or those who worked with animals, as Diana's power was linked to safety in the wilderness. Additionally, the use of Diana amulets extended beyond personal protection; they were often used in funerary contexts, where they were placed in graves to ensure the protection of the deceased in the afterlife. By invoking Diana's presence through these small, personal items, Romans sought to connect with the goddess’s power, bringing her blessings into their everyday lives and ensuring their safety, fertility, and well-being.