Roman moon pendant (lunula), 1st-3rd century, silvered bronze

Product description

This crescent moon pendant is based on a gold Roman lunulaamulet from the 1st to 3rd century, from a private collection from the Moselle area. The original had a frame of beaded wire with an inner field of fine spiral circles and beaded granules.

Lunula amulets were found in almost all Roman settlements, army camps and burial grounds during this period and were symbolic of the moon goddess Luna. In ancient Rome, it was customary for girls and young women to wear a moon amulet around their neck until their wedding day, as protection against the evil eye and as a sign of fertility and blessing — similar to the bulla worn by boys. Such pendants have also been found on Roman horse harnesses and in portraits, and crescent-shaped amulets as good luck charms were also widespread among the Germanic people.

A graceful piece of jewelry with a clear link to Roman symbolism around femininity and protection.