Miniature gold lingam

Title
Miniature gold lingam
Year/Period
7th-10th centuries
Region
Central Java, Indonesia
Material
Dimension
Object size: L2.0 x W1.4 cm
Accession No.
1997-03669
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Andy Ng

This is a heavy cast gold incised linga. The linga (‘mark’ or ‘sign’) is the abstract representation of Shiva. It is a phallic form that signifies the transcendent energy or creative powers of Shiva. Individual lingams were carried on their owners, a tradition that originated in Karnataka, southern India during the 12th century.