Herma

The herma originated in ancient Greece and depicted the head of the god Hermes, from which it takes its name, supported by a small pillar onto which a phallus was often carved to augur fertility and prosperity. It was placed on streets and in front of doors to invoke the god's protection. This type of support was also used for the heads of other gods, especially Dionysus, and for portraits. The Romans used herms to decorate the rooms and viridaria of houses. Herms were often used in gardens as fountains.