Help me with a mystery??

I just put an odd object that I own up for sale on ebay. I need your help because I really don't know what this thing is!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170776152649

Thanks for any suggestions.

That's a puzzler, Joe. It does look like some kind of fertility symbol, like you said in the description. In fact, just looking at it... is anybody else craving pickles and ice cream?

Joe, where did you get it?

I explain that in the description of the item.
"I bought this at an shop that sold Roman oil lamps , coins and other artifacts but he didn't have a clue as to what it was." This was in Roseville, Michigan back in the early 90's.

Oh! I didn't scroll down.

The first picture reminded me of a calcified heart. Not that I have ever seen one before. But, I have no clue what it could be.

Roseville is my city's next-door neighbor.

Rob wrote:

That's a puzzler, Joe. It does look like some kind of fertility symbol, like you said in the description. In fact, just looking at it... is anybody else craving pickles and ice cream?

Joe, where did you get it?

I agree. I think it's a fertility Venus or something similar...However, the calcified heart theory also fits me.

Vanesa.

Calcified heart? eww.
Hey guys and guyettes, can I ask a favor? If you visit any other forums could you post the mystery? Here is the thread to the item again.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170776152649
I really want to know what this is!!
(yes, and sell it.)

Hey Joe,
you might find this interesting? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_lamp
Look on the right side of the page about half way down, there's one "similar" in function there, a double burner lamp.
I've seen a couple of them in pictures doing a Google search, looks like this one might be from 200A.D.? Very cool Joe!
I'm not thinking that it is a fertility item, the Romans were rather obsessed with the human body, but the oil lamps look to be made with some imagination, feet, heads, masks, horses, a little of everything put on them.
Still stinking cool, would bid on it myself if it were another form.

P.S. Check the pricing on the lamps Joe, seems most go from $150 to $200+

AaronM wrote:

Hey Joe,
you might find this interesting? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_lamp
Look on the right side of the page about half way down, there's one "similar" in function there, a double burner lamp.
I've seen a couple of them in pictures doing a Google search, looks like this one might be from 200A.D.? Very cool Joe!
I'm not thinking that it is a fertility item, the Romans were rather obsessed with the human body, the body is a reoccurring theme in their art work.

You might be on to something Aaron, although mine is awfully tiny, it wouldn't hold very much oil at all. Perhaps it's an oil lamp given as a celebratory gift for a childs birth as a symbol of how important light is. Keep in mind this object was created in a world lit only by fire. Once the sun went down there were no light switches or flashlights to illuminate our lives. In my mind it is possible that this could have been a token to a newborn child.
You got me thinkin' Aaron, thanks..........

Yes, I think it could perfectly be a lamp oil, even if it is very tiny. I didn't think about iut before , but I suppose it's the best solution for the "mystery". Thank you very much, Aaron!

Vanesa.

If all else fails it would hold a roll of toilet paper nicely!
Good luck!

your too funny