A herm with a bearded face.
Hermaic stele with the head of Heracles in the form of a herm, with a bearded face, characteristic lion skin himation and a propitiatory phallus. The phallus was a symbol of fertility, and often depicted as ithyphallic, that is, with an erect penis. Herms take their name from Hermes, the messenger god, who was also the protector of travelers, communities and houses, entrances and exits, as well as flocks. Herms were typically set up along thoroughfares and boundaries, at gates, and also at tombs. In Greek mythology, Hermes was the god of numerous groups of people and aspects of daily life, including shepherds and cowherds, literature and poets, and athletics. From the gymnasium of Messene. Dedicated by Philiades, son of Neon. C. 3rd C. BC.
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Photo credit: © DAVID PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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