Metal detectorists are often digging the earth to uncover some interesting finds. They may come across some trivial things and in the best of times, they unearth rare archaeological finds that may give a glimpse into humanity's past.
But what would a bronze nude figure sporting an oversized phallus say about humans in the past?
This was exactly the case for metal detectorists Paul and Joanne Shepheard who found this weird and intriguing object donning a huge dong!
A bronze nude figure of a man sporting a huge phallus was uncovered by metal detectorists during a detector rally in Haconby in Lincolnshire in 2022.
An Intriguing, Erotic Find
As reported first by Noonans, Paul Shepheard and his wife Joanne were searching a stubble field during a detector rally in Haconby, Lincolnshire, in 2022. He was expecting that his luck would turn when he received a signal on his brand-new XP Deus II because Joanne had just discovered a medieval coin.
He dug down 10 inches and discovered what he believed to be a massive steel split pin that was frequently used to hold the wheels on farm carts. Paul recognized this object since he used to enjoy restoring farming equipment.
He noticed the silhouette of a face after giving it a closer look and realized it was something more, rather, it was something erotic.
What the couple found was the bronze figure of a naked man clutching a large phallus in his right hand.
The bronze man measures 5.5 cm high by 1.2 cm wide. presented at Noonans in a two-day sale of Ancient Coins and Artifacts on Wednesday and Thursday, March 8 and 9, 2023.
Inspired by Mercury
This depiction of a fertility god, which dates to the Celtic period and the first century AD, is likely modeled on the Roman god Mercury because he is clutching a purse in his left hand, according to Nigel Mills, Consultant of Coins and Artefact at Noonans.
"This male figure with its hinged oversized phallus would have had symbolic powers of good luck and warding off evil spirits and may have served as a locking mechanism as a buckle to hold a belt and scabbard for a sword. There is nothing quite like it, I am hoping it will attract a lot of attention," Mills explained in a statement.
Paul, a 69-year-old retired processing consultant, resides in March in the county of Cambridgeshire. He has been detecting for 25 years and said that he enjoys the hobby because of the surprising finds and his recent discovery was nothing short of shocking.
"We initially thought it was Roman as the Military wore phallic pendants, but they did not have moving parts, so to speak, but this was designed by the Celts who have added a hinged element making it very artistic, which perhaps made their feelings even more obvious!" Shepheard said in a statement with Noonans.
Related Article: Archaeologists Find an Extremely Rare 1,300-year-old Gold and Gemstone Necklace From a Medieval Woman in England
