[grey_whiskers]

To me the fact that this figure was painted with an erect phallus is of extraordinary interest -- and significance.

I agree it might have that significance, but I quite literally--and no humor intended for once--have figured out how the discoverers of these sorts of things have ruled out subsequent vandalism, practical jokes, or "teenagers" within the culture or society which made the paintings...

(What are later "electro-archaeologists" or extraterrestrial aliens doing their own SETI going to make of the juxtaposition of ABC's Nightline with ads for Oprah or Britney Spears?)

Cheers!

[cornelis]

it might have that significance

Don't be shy, whiskers. Tell us how much the primitive elephant lived to see the far side.

[betty boop]

(What are later "electro-archaeologists" or extraterrestrial aliens doing their own SETI going to make of the juxtaposition of ABC's Nightline with ads for Oprah or Britney Spears?)

LOL grey-whiskers!!! Possibly they would conclude that "we" are an insane asylum bursting with vitality!!! (To crib from Eric Voegelin here.)

To any person interested in the articulation of human symbols (e.g., cultural anthropologists, philosophers, et al.), there is no "might have that significance" to it. Plus I used the correct technical term for it, which is a fertility symbol, pointing to the life yet to come....

Thank you so much for writing!