South Asia, India, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A wonderful ovoid example of a lingam stone - a dark, opaque quartzite with iron oxide deposits that create a mottled, earthy red and brown surface with black inclusions. The striations and red tone appear like clouds or dust storms as seen from space or Mars- undoubtedly the person who selected this stone was also drawn to the naturally attractive material. Great care was taken to polished and smooth this stone to be tactilely pleasant as well as visually. Lingam stones are abstract representations of the god Shiva (Siva) found along the banks of the Narmada River already smoothed and placed in temples or smaller shrines. They are often placed alongside representations of the goddess Shakti, called the Yoni. This is one of the few truly abstract representations of a god found in Hinduism. Size: 12" L x 6" W (30.5 cm x 15.2 cm)

Provenance: private San Francisco, California, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 2000s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170819

Smooth, polished surface with natural inclusions and veining. A few surface abrasions and pigments scuffmarks, but overall excellent condition.