Archaeologists in Sicily have uncovered a rare stylus decorated with explicit religious imagery.
The rare stylus emerged in the Orto Fontanelle area of Gela during preventive archaeological excavations. The work was ordered by the Superintendency of Caltanissetta ahead of construction for the city’s new Palace of Culture.
The object is a bone ceramist’s stylus, finely decorated and perfectly intact. It measures 13.2 centimetres in length and dates to the 5th century BC. At the top, the stylus features a carved male head. Archaeologists believe it represents a herm of Dionysus. The central section depicts an erect phallus, rendered with notable technical skill.
Officials described the object as exceptionally rare within the archaeological record of the period.
Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, Councillor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, said the discovery highlighted Gela’s importance in antiquity. He added that the area could grow into a cultural reference point due to its extensive archaeological heritage.
Daniela Vullo, Superintendent of Cultural Heritage for Caltanissetta, said the stylus was unique in the archaeological panorama. She suggested it may have been created as an offering to a deity. Vullo also said it deserved public display.
Archaeologist Gianluca Calà led the scientific direction of the excavation. The Municipality of Gela commissioned the work as part of the wider development project.
The preventive investigations also revealed a large Hellenistic district. Archaeologists are continuing to study the area.
Herms were common in ancient Greece and usually took the form of stone pillars. They often showed only a head and male genitalia. Greeks placed them at boundaries, crossroads and temples to ward off evil. The name is traditionally linked to Hermes, the messenger god associated with fertility and protection.
