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Roman meretrix jewelry

Via Roman Officer:


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Above: "This is a 1st to 2nd C. AD Copper Slave Collar Necklace that is attributed to a Meretrix (Roman Prostitute). It is 30.4 cm in circumference and is permanently attached with a hammered rivet. The front has five connecting circle dots (one on each side and three larger ones in the center), five being the number of the goddess Venus. The Romans also associated the metal copper with Venus, hence a metal that was favored by prostitutes."

Below: "This is a 1st to 3rd C. AD Copper Meretrix (Roman Prostitute) Pendant (. It is 6.7 cm x 5.9 cm. It is made to represent; a woman's head, the letter M, and three wavy arms (and hands) that are bound by a line (perhaps suggesting talents as a masseuse, or implying that the Meretrix was a slave). The cutout shows two facing birds, a Roman symbol for love. Turned upside down it may represent; a harp, flames, and three flowers. The Romans associated the metal copper with Venus, hence a metal that was favored by prostitutes. There is little doubt that this pendant is a suggestive advertisement."


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