Title
Shiva Lingam and Nandi
Year/Period
Late 18th–early 19th century
Region
South India
Object Type
lingams (visual works)
Material
gold (metal), gold thread, pearl (animal material), ruby (mineral)
Technique
goldsmithing, molding (forming), needleworking (process)
Dimension
Object size: ,
Object Size: H:5.0 x W:11.0 x D:6.0 cm
Object Size: H:5.0 x W:11.0 x D:6.0 cm
Accession No.
2011-02274
Collection of
NLB Type
Goldwork
This is a small votive lingam with Nandi. A lingam is a representation of the Hindu deity, Shiva, used for worship in temples and Nandi is the mount or vehicle (Vahana) of Shiva. It is decorated with a cluster of natural pearls secured with a gold thread along the four sides of the base and the lingam stand. The beautifully moulded Nandi is also decorated with a line of small pearls or beads.This piece may have been specially commissioned by a wealthy patron as the design and minute detail makes it a class apart from other similar ritual objects used for personalised worship or offerings in the temple.
