Discovered penis carved from bone from the Roman era. It was an amulet against the evil eye

The sculpture is particularly notable for being made of bone, given that Roman phallic objects are usually made of wood or stone.

Archaeologists in the Netherlands have discovered a phallus carved in bone during a long-awaited cataloging project at the Valkhof Museum in the city of Nijmegen. The object, measuring approximately 20 cm, will be between 1800 and 2000 years old, corresponding to the time when the region was part of the Roman Empire.

The discovery was made when investigators began to examine around 16,000 storage boxes closed containing artefacts from previous excavations. The bone sculpture, hidden for decades among uncatalogued items, now draws attention due to its rarity and cultural importance.

Although depictions of male genitalia were common in Roman art, the material used in this case sets it apart. Archaeologists are familiar with phallic symbols carved into stone or wood, but this is believed to be the first documented example made of bone. Experts suggest the material likely came from a domestic animal, such as a cow or goat, although further analysis is needed to confirm its origin.

In Roman society, such objects were not considered obscene. Instead, phallic images often carried symbolic meaning, often associated with protection and good luck. These symbols were often placed above doors or worn as jewelry to ward off the so-called “evil eye.”

The artifact offers an insight into life in the ancient city of Noviomagus, the Roman-era predecessor of present-day Nijmegen. Founded nearly two millennia ago, Noviomagus served as a important administrative and military center near the northern border of the Roman Empire. Discoveries like this suggest that local populations not only lived under Roman rule but also actively adopted aspects of Roman culture, says the .

The cataloging project has so far examined only about 300 of the thousands of boxes stored, but has already revealed a number of significant discoveries. Among the objects found are intricately designed drinking vessels, including so-called “cups with faces“, decorated with human features, as well as finely crafted bowls and glasses with nature scenes in detail.