‘Revealing the Phallus’ : The Imagery of Dionysiac Mysteries on the Campana Reliefs

In Roman times, elite members decorated their villas with elaborate images, including frescoes and reliefs. Among the diverse themes, Dionysiac imagery was particularly prominent. This paper discusses two different scenes, both innovations of the mid-first century bce, which can be found on the so-called Campana reliefs. These scenes have been interpreted as idealised reflections of rituals performed in the context of Dionysiac mysteries. The central objects in both (the liknon and the phallus) functioned as visible 'signs' alluding to the revealed mystery. Although the images remain silent on the specific secret narratives and sacred purposes of the mysteries, I argue that they foreground experiences shared by worshippers and were recognisable to them. Such experiences are actualised and conveyed through the bodies, attire, and movements of the principal figures. The first scene depicts initiation into the secret rites, focusing on the blind obedience of the participant. The second scene may represent an ecstatic encounter between a female dancer and a divine entity. Thus, the distinctive imagery of the Dionysiac mysteries allows us to explore aspects of their material sphere and gestures towards particular ritual roles and the bodily experiences expected of participants.