Amulet

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This is one of two ceramic objects found at Loch Olabhat on North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. Both are phallic representations, and have been interpreted as amulets, used between 3400 and 2900 BC.

Ceramic phallus ? from Loch Olabhat, North Uist, 3400 - 2900 BC

Various kinds of objects were believed to act as powerful charms. In some cases the shape of the object made it magical. The phallic shape was long associated with fertility, important both for ensuring children and for the success of crops.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-103-332-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.1997.297
• Date: 3400 - 2900 BC
  Between 3400 and 2900 BC
  
• Material: Ceramic
  Phallus ?
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Phallus ?
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, North Uist, Loch Olabhat
  
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