R39

Roman limestone Priapus figure

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A carved limestone figure of a man lifting his long kilted garment to expose his erect phallus.

It is hard for the modern mind to imagine that this figure was created as anything other than an object of amusement or ridicule but there was an ancient cult of Priapus (originating from Asia Minor) which worshipped the figure of a man "exhibiting" himself. Priapic figures in the Roman period were regarded as symbols of protection and fertility, the most famous renditions of these images are probably from the bronze lamps and frescoes of Pompeii.

Roman, 3rd or 4th Century AD

Fragment as shown

Size: 7.4 x 4.5 cms

Ex. private collection, Sussex, UK.