Ave!

Applique, Attis, ca. 1st-4th Cent AD, Rare!

Copper alloy; 18m/4.9gm

Con/ Minimal loss of patina, otherwise, As Cast; dark green patina with earthen fill; cleaned and waxed

Description/ Youthful curly-haired head of Attis, presented without his Phrygian cap. Original peg on the reverse. FYI - Ancient Phrygia was located in north-east modern Turkey.

Seller's Note/ If you are not familiar with Attis, he was the ancient Phrygian god of vegetation and consort of the great Mother of the Gods Kybele (Cybele). As early as the 1st century BC, he became a cult figure in ancient Rome.

Ground-found in the Balkans, this applique/adornment, is certainly of Roman Provincial origin. Perhaps from Siscia or even more likely, Mursa Major. And again, as Attis was a god of vegetation, it was most likely applied to the wood of a household shrine of a large and wealthy Roman villa that grew crops such as wheat, corn, etc..

Very rare and worthy for even the most discerning collector.

The story of Attis is rather sad. Click here for further information.