Ex-voto anatomici
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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| They have item numbers 27768-27791, 21628-21665, the 27-series used to be in the [[raccolta pornografica]]. | They have item numbers 27768-27791, 21628-21665, the 27-series used to be in the [[raccolta pornografica]]. | ||
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| + | At first glance these objects might be mistaken as coming from [[hypersexual]] people. But as [[Catherine Johns]] explains, these [[ex-voto]]s are used to bring [[good luck]]. And the best of luck of course is [[fertility]]. | ||
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| + | "everyday sexual imagery ... are not primarily about sex, but about [[good luck]]. We know that a [[charm]] in the form of a [[shamrock]] does not allude to [[botany]], nor does a [[horseshoe]] shaped one symbolize [[equestrian]] pursuits. The principle is the same, and the shocked and embarrassed response of [[Victorian era|Victorian]] scholars to Roman phallic objects missed the point." --Catherine Johns in ''[[Sex: An Intimate Companion]]'' | ||
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| ==See also== | ==See also== | ||
| *[[Pompeian erotica]] | *[[Pompeian erotica]] | ||
| {{GFDL}} | {{GFDL}} | ||
Revision as of 09:58, 6 July 2010
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The ex-voto anatomici are a series of terracotta sculptures[1] (ex-votos of private parts: penises, a breast and, on the right, a womb) in a showcase in the Gabinetto Segreto (secret chamber) at the Museo Archeologico Nazionale of Naples. Found in a samnite sanctuary in the old town of Cales (Calvi Risorta).
They have item numbers 27768-27791, 21628-21665, the 27-series used to be in the raccolta pornografica.
At first glance these objects might be mistaken as coming from hypersexual people. But as Catherine Johns explains, these ex-votos are used to bring good luck. And the best of luck of course is fertility.
"everyday sexual imagery ... are not primarily about sex, but about good luck. We know that a charm in the form of a shamrock does not allude to botany, nor does a horseshoe shaped one symbolize equestrian pursuits. The principle is the same, and the shocked and embarrassed response of Victorian scholars to Roman phallic objects missed the point." --Catherine Johns in Sex: An Intimate Companion
See also
![[1]](http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Museo_Nazionale_Napoli_Gabinetto_Segreto_Findings_From_Pompeji.jpg){kind=link}