ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Herma

Herma, dear little one, it's a type of statue.
It is a big stone statue, usually made of marble, which represents the head and bust of an ancient Greek god or hero, and also include a rectangular-shaped pillar at the bottom.

Now, this rectangular-shaped pillar is very special, because it is not just a simple piece of rock. It was carved in such a way to show the male genitalia, which can be a little bit inappropriate for young children to look at.

Back in ancient times, these statues were common in Greece and were used to mark important locations or serve as landmarks. The Greeks believed that these statues would protect them from evil spirits and bring good luck.

Nowadays, Herma can still be found in museums, archaeological sites, or art galleries, but they are not as popular as before. Some people admire them for their beauty, while some others find them offensive.

So, there you have it, my little one, Herma is a special type of statue with a unique characteristic that represents ancient Greek gods and heroes, and they were used as protection against evil.