MIN
Min is an ancient Egyptian deity of fertility. As far
back as the Badarian Period (5000–3400 BC)
along the Nile River, there are stone and terra
cotta figures of naked women and men represent-
ing fertility. During that period, it appears that
agriculture and human procreation were insepara-
ble in the concept of fertility.
The deity known by the name of Min was a
principal fertility spirit. Min’s representation was
of a man with a large phallus. Whereas Hapi and
Ausar were also considered to be fertility deities
who ruled over all the farms and meadows, Min
was different in that he represented male fertility424 Min
Relief from theWhite Chapel of Sesostris I.The chapel was built to celebrate the Sed Festival,the festival connected with the royal
jubilee during which rituals of renewal and regeneration took place.The king pays homage to Min, the god of fertility. 12th
dynasty, 1971–1926 BC.
Source: Werner Forman/Art Resource, New York.