CULTURE / REGION OF ORIGIN: Ptolemaic or Early Roman Egypt
DATE: Late Ptolemaic or Roman Period (Late 4th – Late 1st Century BCE)
DIMENSIONS:  6.5 cm. (2.5 in.) tall for the larger bell, 4.2 cm (1.6 in.) tall for the smaller bell.

DESCRIPTION: Two cast bronze bells. The larger is in the form of a steep-sided pyramid, with a large suspension loop on top and another loop, presumably to hold the clapper, on the upper inside. On one side of the bell is a molded high relief of male genitalia. The surface is generally a light green patina with rough patches in both lighter and darker colors. There is a small chip off one corner of the bell; otherwise, intact. The smaller bell is conical in shape, pierced through at two places, again presumably to hold a clapper, with an integral suspension loop at the top. The patina is generally a smooth dark green. Intact.

PROVENANCE: Formerly in the Doorn-Koller Collection, formed in the late 19th and early 20th Century by the most recent owner’s grandfather Jakob Koller, and father Johan Doorn, while living in Egypt. Both collectors were knowledgeable about Egyptian art and hieroglyphs, being close friends with the Egyptologist Dr. Ferdinand Debono and acquainted with Howard Carter who presented them with his annotated diary.

PUBLISHED: Christie’s, ANTIQUITIES, 25 April, 2007, London, Page 86.

COMPARISONS: For a discussion of the symbolism of male genitalia and their relationship to castration, fascination and the evil eye in the Roman world, see Carlin A. Barton, The Sorrows of the Ancient Romans, Princeton, 1993, pages 72-73, 95-97 and Plate 1.