Sheela-na-gigs & exhibitionist figures

Sexual & Erotic Charms: the tradition

Sexual imagery is one of the oldest and most universal forms of protection. Fertility is life itself, and the exposed phallus or vulva was believed to shock, amuse or distract malevolent forces, especially the evil eye. Egypt had its ithyphallic gods, Rome its fascinum on every child, doorway and chariot, medieval Europe its obscene badges and sheela-na-gigs, Thailand and Japan their phallic shrines and charms, China its 'spring palace' coins for newlyweds. Victorian collectors hid much of this material in 'secret museums' such as the Gabinetto Segreto in Naples and the British Museum's Secretum, and only in the late 20th century was it studied openly as religion and social history.