Linga with Face of Shiva (Ekamukhalinga)
India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)
Shiva manifest in human form emerging from the linga shaft is a celebrated representation of the god that rose to prominence in North India during the fifth century. In this masterful rendering, the handsome face gives a sweet countenance to this complex deity; he displays the third eye of supreme wisdom, wears large ear plugs, and has his wavy hair drawn up into a double-looped chignon decorated by a crescent moon, his signature motif. Incised lines define the phallic glands.
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