Metal detecting enthusiasts in England unearth an ancient 2000-year-old figurine displaying an extraordinary phallic feature
In the small town of Haconby, Lincolnshire, a retired gentleman named Paul Shepheard made an extraordinary discovery in 2020 - a silver penis pendant from the Roman era. This intriguing artifact, dating back to the first century C.E., has shed light on the rich history of phallic imagery in both Roman and Celtic cultures.
The figurine, approximately two inches tall, is a representation of a fertility god, and its hinge suggests it may have been used as a belt buckle or a scabbard for a sword. Initially thought to be Roman, experts now believe it to be of Celtic origin, adding to the common occurrence of phallic imagery found by metal detectorists in England.
The phallus in Roman art and ancient erotic art held significant symbolic, religious, and cultural roles, far beyond mere eroticism. In Roman society, especially in Pompeii, erotic art was widespread and multifaceted, appearing in public and private realms and crossing into religious and mythological life. The phallus was both a physical and symbolic motif deeply embedded in cultural practices and beliefs spanning many ancient civilizations.
The tradition of phallic imagery predates Rome, tracing back to Late Egyptian and possibly earlier cultures, where the phallus was associated with generative power and fertility. In Roman times, small phallic pendants, like one found at Vindolanda, UK dating to the 4th century AD, were worn as protective charms or symbols of potency, showing continuity in the symbolic use of the phallus in personal adornment.
Some Roman myths incorporate the phallus as an embodiment of the male generative force, linking it to cosmic and earth-bound fertility. For instance, legends about the birth of Servius Tullius suggest the phallus represented an incarnation of this force in nature.
In Celtic culture, the god Cernunnos was frequently depicted with antlers and a large phallus, further emphasizing the symbolic use of phallic imagery to promote fertility and abundance.
The discovery of the Celtic figurine provides insight into this history, and experts suggest that the silver used in the making of the pendant might have reflected the wearer's wealth and ancient beliefs in magical properties. The figurine is expected to sell for between $950 and $1,400 at auction this week.
Paul Shepheard, the discoverer of the Celtic figurine, hopes to use the proceeds from its sale for a vacation for his wife and mother-in-law. Hundreds of other penis pendants have been found, but they are usually made of copper or bronze, making Shepheard's find especially exciting. The figurine is being sold by the auction house Noonans.
This fascinating discovery serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of phallic imagery in ancient cultures and the ongoing efforts to uncover and understand the rich tapestry of human history.
- This discovery of a Celtic phallic figurine in Haconby, Lincolnshire serves as a testament to the widespread occurrence and enduring significance of phallic imagery in cultural-travel and archaeology, particularly during the Roman and Celtic eras.
- The silver Celtic pendant, with its historical value and cultural implications, could provide valuable insights into lifestyle during the ancient times, offering a unique perspective on the beliefs, wealth, and magical properties associated with phallic imagery in both Roman and Celtic societies.
