Min - One of the ancient Egyptian gods
The above picture is from Abu Simbel temple, the great temple of Ramesses II
Min was an Ancient Egyptian god whose cult originated in
predynastic (4th millennium BC). He was represented in many different forms,
but was often represented in male human form, shown with an erect penis which
he holds in his left hand and an upheld right arm holding a flail. As Khem or
Min, he was the god of reproduction
As a god of fertility, he was shown as having
black skin. His cult was strongest in Coptos and Akhmim (Panopolis), where in
his honor great festivals were held celebrating his “coming forth” with a
public procession and presentation of offerings.
In Egyptian Art, Min was depicted as wearing
a crown with feathers, and often holding his penis erect in his left hand
(which is why it is hidden in reliefs). In his upward facing right hand he
holds a flail (referring to his authority, or rather that of the Pharaohs).
Around his forehead, Min wears a red ribbon that trails to the ground, claimed
by some to represent sexual energy. The symbols of Min were the white bull, a
barbed arrow, and a bed of lettuce, that the Egyptians believed to be an
aphrodisiac, as Egyptian lettuce was tall, straight, and released a milk-like
substance when rubbed, characteristics superficially similar to the penis.
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