Lusignan (Vienne)

This high corbel-table overlooks the town's market and the corbels are referred to by Rabelais
in Chapter 38 of the Fourth Book of Pantagruel, when, talking of the Serpent which tempted Eve, he declares that his name
was 'the Chitterling called Ithyphallus'. He goes on to say: 'If what I say stretches your Lordships' credulity,
then go, if it pleases you (after a drink or two), to Lusignan...where you will find solid witnesses of ancient renown..."

A close-up of the contortionist on the right, displaying buttocks, anus and penis with foreskin retracted.
This carving foreshadows the scatological misericords and roof-bosses of succeeding centuries.