A severed head thought to be that of the patron saint of genital diseases is to be auctioned in Ireland.
The grisly object is said to have once been attached to the body of St Vitalis of Assisi, who was an Italian hermit and monk who died in 1370 and was associated with medical treatment of private parts.
How the head came to be in Ireland is unclear but the Co Louth family selling it hopes it will reach $2,150.
For many years the skull has been pride of place in their home, displayed in an ornate case, but was taken out of view once children arrived.