English: A cast lead alloy priapic pendant, dating to either the Medieval or Post Medieval period. The pendant is cast in one piece, with an integral iron suspension loop at the top. The pendant depicts a nude male. The hair of the male appears to be pulled back, not by any hair accessory but rather by movement. The face is crude, with the eyes seemingly almond shape and a short rounded nose below. The mouth is closed and difficult to see. The ears are very low on the head and appear to be pointed. The tendons on the neck are clearly defines and the neck appears taught as if strained. The male has an enlarged and erect phallus, which he grasps with both hands. The arms are slightly flexed and outstretched. The back is slightly hunched and appears to curve towards the misshapen buttocks. There is a large gap between the buttocks. The legs are relatively thin and both bent at the knee. The right knee is joined to the left thigh so that the right foot is flexed with the toes pointing down. The feet also cross over with the left foot in front.

There are no exact parallels for this example. There are several Roman period Priapus figurines on the PAS database, but none appear to be as detailed as this object. Similarly there are several dated to the Post Medieval period and are equally not as detailed. Discussion in Jones (2002, 248-273) states how megaphillic imagery was common in the later Medieval period also. This object has therefore been given a broad date range.

Dimensions: length: 22.86 mm; width: 22.61 mm; height: 43.44 mm; weight: 14.71g.

Reference: Jones, M. 2002. The Secret Middle Ages. Santa Barbara: Praeger Publishers