"Bronze Statue Of Shiva Mukhalinga, India, 17th Century"
This excellent bronze head of Shiva dating from the 17th - 18th century is a mukhalinga, which literally means "lingam with a face". Lingams are phallic eggs and the non-representational form of Shiva, one of the three most important gods in Hinduism. Shiva is the destroyer who demolishes so that the world may be created anew. Originally, mukhalingas were carved stone lingams, but in the 18th century they became covers for lingam stones, believed to preserve the sacred vibrations and protect them when not in use.
This statue has a beautiful age patina.
It has an old collection number in the base.
Height 10.5 cm, base 7.2 x 7 cm