Iguerande - Saint-Marcel

The remarkable parish church in the village of Iguerande was constructed late 11th century. It is dedicated to Saint Marcel and belonged to Cluny since 1088 via the nearby priory of Marcigny.
A nice, sturdy church. Pretty intact and known for some mysterious carvings.

This is the most mysterious and probably most photographed capital in Saint Marcel.
It´s all about music. - There is a two persons playing a duet. - Let me start with the left musician, who is just looking around the corner.

A little monkey / ape plays the harp. Well, that is not that extraordinary. Lots of animals can be found playing instruments on medieval carvings: Though mostly donkeys play the harp
- with the hoofs.

On the right out of the floral volute dangles - a pumkin. The pumpkin has one central eye on his forehead - and plays the panflute! He holds the flute with his nicely carved hands.

Is this the return of the cannibalistic Polyphemus, one of the cyclops, whom Odysseus met already? Did Polyphem play the panflute in the story, told by Homer? I remember, that he did drink very strong wine - and fall asleep...

Maybe this a cutout from a nightmare, the carver had, after a couple of very strong wines.
I have no clue, but it is - fantastic!!