Mên was an ancient lunar deity whose worship originated in Anatolia, particularly in Phrygia, Lydia and Pisidia. His cult flourished during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, when he appeared on coins, votive reliefs, statuettes and other devotional objects.
Mên is usually represented as a youthful male wearing a Phrygian cap, with the points of a crescent moon rising behind his shoulders. These distinctive attributes symbolised his Anatolian origin and his connection with the Moon. He was associated with the lunar cycle, the passage of time, fertility, prosperity and divine protection.
One of his most important cult centres was the sanctuary of Mên Askaenos near Antioch in Pisidia. Inscriptions discovered there show that worshippers appealed to the god for assistance, protection, good health and forgiveness. His cult represents the fascinating fusion of indigenous Anatolian religious traditions with the artistic and religious culture of the Greek and Roman worlds.
Please note: The bronze appliqué is the ancient component of this object. The sterling-silver frame, suspension ring and bail are modern additions.
