A large silver Shiva head
Shiva Mukhalinga (Lingam Cover)
India, late 19th century
Silver with inset stones
H. 33.5 cm; Weight: 1.34 kg
The cover depicts the face of the god Shiva and was made to encase a stone linga (phallus), the abstract emblem associated with the deity. By enclosing the sanctified stone, such silver sheaths both protected it and transformed it into a recognizable, human image through which devotees could engage in darshan (sacred viewing). At over thirty centimeters high, this example is shrine-scaled, its mirror-bright surface designed to animate offerings, movement, and flame.
India, late 19th century
Silver with inset stones
H. 33.5 cm; Weight: 1.34 kg
The cover depicts the face of the god Shiva and was made to encase a stone linga (phallus), the abstract emblem associated with the deity. By enclosing the sanctified stone, such silver sheaths both protected it and transformed it into a recognizable, human image through which devotees could engage in darshan (sacred viewing). At over thirty centimeters high, this example is shrine-scaled, its mirror-bright surface designed to animate offerings, movement, and flame.
Part of the Indian Ocean collection.
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