9. “Unknown Provenance” 

Phallic symbols are prevalent throughout ancient history. Yes, these symbols were literally male genitalia, but it meant something different to these ancient cultures than it does to our modern society. Phalluses were often seen as symbols of fertility and protection. (We’re not laughing, you’re laughing). It’s our general immaturity that’s probably the reason archeologists avoid saying the p-word. 

When archeologists discover an ancient phallic artifact, they usually avoid calling it what it is. They use terms like “statue of unknown provenance” or “an object, potentially used in fertility rituals.” They’re not fooling anyone, because just one glance at these objects of “provenance” tells us everything we need to know.