3815 – Small Ithyphallic Figure
- Physical description:
- Small brass ithyphallic figure, with an integral loop so that it can be worn hanging from a cord. The phallus unscrews. Probably an amulet either for protection or fertility.
- Museum classification:
- Modern Witchcraft
- Size:
- 38 x 7 x 35
- Information:
This is a companion piece to 3814 (a Ndebele doll). It was given to the donor by a friend's cousin.
In Roman times phallic amulets were thought to ward off the Evil Eye (a carving at Leptis Magna in Libya shows a phallus attacking an eye), so the fact that an amulet is phallic does not necessarily mean it is associated with fertility.
- Resource:
- Object
- Materials:
- Metal (brass)
This is a companion piece to 3814 (a Ndebele doll). It was given to the donor by a friend's cousin.
In Roman times phallic amulets were thought to ward off the Evil Eye (a carving at Leptis Magna in Libya shows a phallus attacking an eye), so the fact that an amulet is phallic does not necessarily mean it is associated with fertility.