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03.06.2021

Broddenbjerg idol

The Broddenbjerg idol is a wooden phallic figure that was discovered in a swamp near Broddenbjerg, close to Viborg, Denmark. It is now housed in the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen and is believed to date back to approximately 535-520 BC, during the Late Bronze Age.

The figurine was found in the spring of 1880 by a peat cutter in a bog. Initially, it was mistakenly dated to a later period, the Roman Iron Age, but carbon dating later confirmed its true age. The idol is crafted from an oak branch, likely chosen for its natural shape. It stands at about 88 cm (35 inches) in height and is characterized by the absence of arms, having two legs formed by natural branches. Most notably, it features an erect penis, approximately 28 cm (11 inches) long, with notches on the head. One leg is broken off, while the other tapers, suggesting that the figure was originally positioned upright in the swampy ground. At the top, there is a face with a pointed chin, possibly indicating a beard. This facial asymmetry is seen as an indication of Celtic cultural influence. The right eye is more elaborately marked than the left, which retains only a line. A line under the face may represent a neck ring or upper part of the garment. The groin area and phallus have been treated with tar.

The Broddenbjerg idol is one of the most renowned artifacts from Denmark and is part of a collection of supposed cult images discovered primarily in bogs and peat bogs across Northern and Central Europe. Next to this figurine, an altar was also found, along with corn grinding stones and clay vessels that may have contained offerings of food, providing insight into the religious practices of the time.

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