The Bhutanese have a more than healthy penis obsession which they justify by reference to a medieval deviant monk, Drukpa Kunley, (the "mad monk" as he is euphemistically referred to), who spent his life engaging in pleasures of the flesh as a means of achieving and sharing spiritual enlightenment (Jimmy Swaggart eat your heart out!).

Chimi Lhakgang was his home so it is hardly surprising that the nearby village boasts numerous "craft shops" vending various phallus based objects.  They say that houses are decorated with the phallus, not as a sexual or fertility symbol but as a means of averting the gaze of passers by who might otherwise be inclined to covet the house.  Also used as a handrail decoration, water spout, scarecrow embellishment (though whether this is to scare off the birds or to stimulate crop growth I have no idea), not to mention naff tourist shop tits and bum jokes.

There is no attempt at an artistically discrete phallus, subtly toned down for those of a sensitive disposition, and every one seems to be complete with hairy balls (with a few notable exceptions) and be in the act of ejaculation.  Very tasteful.  Apparently they have just got wise to the fact that although it might be of prurient interest to tourists, they are being laughed at so are beginning to paint over many of them.

All images and text are copyright.  If you wish to use any of this material contact the author: jeremy@nomadintent.com

© Jeremy Harrison 2005-2020