Mystery penis statue found buried at ‘ancient animal sacrifice site used for fertility rituals’
A LARGE stone penis that may have been used for sacrificial fertility rituals has been uncovered in Sweden.
The bizarre phallic statue has been linked to a Bronze Age fertility cult – and stands erect at nearly two foot high.
Archaeologists uncovered it by accident while investigating a site earmarked for construction in Rollsbo, Sweden.
The hardy member was initially thought to be a paving stone, but turned out to be a giant todger.
"When we excavated the rocks, we saw something that deviated from everything else. It was on the ground but had been raised in this past," said archaeologist Gisela Ängeby, speaking to the .
"There was a 52cm-long stone shaped like a penis."
Gisela continued: "In archaeological contexts however, one is careful to call it a phallus.
"It has a distinct phallus shape. I thought when I stumbled upon it that 'oh my god, it can't be true'.
"I showed the picture to colleagues and there is no debate about it: it has a very penis-like shape."
The penis statue was found alongside two burnt bones believed to have come from animals.
This small number of bones suggest that the site isn't a burial ground.
However, archaeologists say that the bones and nearby stones surrounding the weathered willy indicate that it was a Bronze Age sacrificial site.
This may have involved slaughtering animals as part of fertility rituals.
"I believe that in connection with the erection, it was used to offer sacrifices, for example within the framework of a fertility cult," said Gisela.
What was the Bronze Age?
Here's what you should know...
- The Bronze Age was the period of time between the Stone Age and the Iron Age
- It is characterised by the common use of bronze at the time and also the start of some urban civilisations
- In Europe, the Bronze Age occurred from around 3200 to 600 BC
- During this time period, ancient empires started to trade luxury goods
- Some civilisations also developed writing
According to experts, the stone may have been phallic-shaped naturally – but the design was later reinforced.
"Standing stones in the middle of stone paving are not uncommon.
"But just the way it is designed is a little special.
"It is partially weather and then carved. And that's how the shape has been reinforced."
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In other rock-hard news, a mysterious sunken temple from 3,000BC dubbed "Spanish Stonehenge" has emerged from a dried-up reservoir.
Just last month, scientists announced plans to solve the mystery of the "Armenian Stonehenge" – believed to be even older than Stonehenge itself.
Recent research suggested that the origin of Stonehenge's ancient builders was Turkey.
And Stonehenge builders may have dragged the rocks into place on sledges greased up with pig fat.
What do you make of this phallic discovery? Let us know in the comments!
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