Associated object

Figure of Baubo

Egyptian (Hellenistic), Ptolemaic period

332 - 30 BCE

LFRD 3868

In Greek mythology, Baubo was a goddess of childbirth and female sexuality, and is normally depicted exposing her genitals. Just as phallic amulets symbolised good luck, in his paper ‘Medusa’s Head’, Freud acknowledged that in certain cultural representations the display of female genitals can be seen as an apotropaic act, having the power to avert evil influences or bad luck.