Double Herm of Lake Nemi.

First , What is a herm?

Structure wise it's a square, tapering stone pillar topped with a head or bust. The origin of the name comes from being named after Hermes. Who is the Greek god of travelers, boundaries, and commerce. Originally marked crossroads, boundaries, and temple entrances as protective images. Later became decorative art for gardens and villas. A Double Herm is a variation with two heads pointing in opposite directions.

This here was found at Lake Nemi in 1885 and is a marble janiform herm. Most likely representing water deities rather than Zeus himself. Discovered during the landmark excavations led by Sir John Savile Lumley (the British ambassador to Italy), this piece was part of a significant haul from the Sanctuary of Diana Nemorensis. While often colloquially or formerly associated with Zeus, scholars suggest the two-faced (janiform) heads depict Tritons or personifications of local lakes, specifically Lake Nemi and Lake Albano. But imo they are originally metaphorical for Cosmic Plasma Lakes of Light !

The original marble herm is in a private collection (formerly at Hever Castle), but a plaster cast is held at the Nottingham Castle Museum. Another nearly identical version is in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek in Copenhagen.

It was found mounted on a pillar with a Latin inscription dedicated to the goddess Diana (SACR DIAN). Which imo is the very breakdown of the name "Sardinia"

The 1885 excavations brought the discovery of many "Nemi Sculptures," including the famous Fundilia Rufa herm and various votive bronzes now scattered across global museums like the Penn Museum and the British Museum

Pictures provided from my own archives from the Zeus volumes by Arthur Bernard Cook Vol 2 ( 1925)