Soldiers also used to wear such lockets as a symbol of bravery on battlefields. It is said that children used to wear such lockets to ward off the evil eye.
UK, First Published Jul 23, 2022, 3:00 PM IST
A metal detectorist from the UK has made a rare discovery. They found a silver locket in the shape of a phallus from the Roman period. That is a 2000 year old lingam shaped locket.
The locket was obtained from a farm in Hiam, near Gravesend and Stroud, on New Year’s Eve 2020. The discovery was made by a woman named Thomson, a retired estate agent. The locket was found in the field about eight inches below the metal detector.
The 1.2-inch-long locket was found to be made of silver and dated between 43 AD and 410 AD after an examination at the County Hall in Maidstone on May 26.
According to a report from the British Museum, they are unable to date the locket, but based on the phallic (Lingopasana) nature of the locket, it is believed to be from the Roman period.
451 such objects have been recorded from Roman Britain. However, only one cast in silver has been found so far without this one. Art of the Roman period is naturally known for such phallic works. It was believed at that time that these male lingams denoted virility and bravery. That is why it is shown in art.
Moreover, soldiers also used to wear such lockets as a symbol of courage in the battlefields. It is said that children used to wear such lockets to ward off the evil eye.
Generally, metal detectorists must notify those concerned within 14 days of any such discovery. Thompson is still waiting to find out how much it will cost. Once the price is known, half of the money goes to the person who found it and half to the owner of the field.
Thompson says that more than money, finding something that is part of history and knowing its value is what makes him happy.
Last Updated Jul 23, 2022, 3:01 PM IST
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