Archaeologists have uncovered a six-inch stone penis. The phallus was during excavations at a medieval fortress in south west Spain.
The objective of the dig has been to discover the use of a large structure that was erected inside the courtyard at the Meira tower in the Ría de Vigo, Galicia. This area is described as densely populated and one of the economic engines of the region, therefore resulting in a notable number of archaeological sites that can be found.
However, the Arbore S.Coop.Galega archaeological team said the most surprising discovery at the fortress was made when two archaeologists located the stone penis in one of the levels of destruction of the tower. They believe the "strange find" can been interpreted as a sharpening stone, possibly for sharpening weapons.
The medieval Tower of Meira dates from the 14th century and was completely demolished in 1476, after the “hirmandiña revolt” (1467 to 1469), a great uprising against the nobility in which a good part of the castles of Galicia were destroyed.
A spokesperson explains: "We can find this type of representation already in the most ancient prehistory, but they are not common in medieval contexts. The meaning varies in each culture and depends on the context. Far from being an offensive or obscene element, in Roman times these representations did not have the exclusively erotic connotation that some currently erroneously attribute to them.
"The phallus was an object of veneration and was given a magical-religious cult. The phallic symbol is represented on lamps, masks, pendants and rings, walls of houses, pavement of a street, corners, balconies, doors, baths or walls. Always preserving its character as a collective protector from potential evils and dangers.
"The site where it was found was destroyed after an assault during a revolt against the nobility. This context can help us interpret this strange find.
"It materialises since the symbolic association between masculinity, violence and weapons. It is present in different cultures and throughout time, even reaching our days. A more detailed analysis of the material and traces of use of the object allows us to interpret it as a sharpening stone, possibly for sharpening weapons."
The Arbore S.Coop.Galega excavation team is now investigating the function of Torre de Meira.
"Are we excavating a simple watchtower or was it really a small castle with permanent occupation?" they said.
