Penis tree - fertility symbol or political poster?(pic) [View All]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/oukoe_odd_penis


LONDON (Reuters) - At first glance, the Massa Marittima mural looks fairly similar to dozens of other medieval frescoes dotted across Tuscany.

Its branches are covered in penises.


There are 25 of them in all, of different shapes and sizes, complete with testicles. They hang from the lim t bs of the tree like leaves fluttering in the breeze.


The mural dates from the 13th century and is still visible on a wall in the Italian town of Massa Marittima where it was discovered during renovation work four years ago.

"It's a very clear political poster," said George Ferzoco, director of the Centre for Tuscan Studies at the University of Leicester in central England as he unveiled his theory about the picture for the first time.


"It's a message from the Guelphs, telling people that if the Ghibellines are allowed power they will bring with them heresy, sexual perversion, civic strife and witchcraft."