A Roman Bronze Bulla (Amulet Pendant)
Circa 1st-3rd century AD.
Hollow domed on either side, forming an internal compartment; with suspension loop. A bulla is a locket that especially Roman boys wore to protect them and ward off evil spirits until they reached adulthood. Inside the bulla were placed small amulets or fragments of sacred items, most often probably made of organic material and today lost.
H 29 mm Ex European private collection, acquired on the German art market before 2000.