A 1914 illustration taken from an ancient Greek carving showing an ancient Greek roadside herm or herma (Wayside sculpture often found in the form of a shrine , signpost, fountain, pillar, drinking trough etc. Hermae often depict a head and torso and may include representations of genitals. The Roman mercuriae were similar in design. Herms are said to have developed from sacred cairns at roadsides and crossroads, where travellers each added a stone. Phallic columns were later added and later still the head of a sacred god (not always Hermes) was added as a protective influence.

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Size: 4051px × 5906px
Photo credit: © Colin Waters / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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