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Linga (Phallic Emblem of Shiva) with Architectural Base

ca. 975
Not on view
In India and other countries influenced by Hindu theology, including Cambodia, adoration of the linga is understood to be worship of the great generative principle of the universe, conceptualized as an aspect of Shiva. Because some of the Khmer kings identified themselves with Shiva, they placed a linga at the summit of their most important temples as part of their royal paraphernalia.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Linga (Phallic Emblem of Shiva) with Architectural Base
  • Period: Angkor period
  • Date: ca. 975
  • Culture: Cambodia
  • Medium: Stone
  • Dimensions: H. 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm); W. 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm); D. 11 1/4 in. (28.6 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Enid A. Haupt, 1988
  • Object Number: 1988.393
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art
More Artwork
Linga with Face of Shiva (Ekamukhalinga), Stone, India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)
India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)
7th century
Linga, Shiva’s Aniconic Symbol, Stone, India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)
India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)
8th century or earlier
Linga with Face of Shiva (Ekamukhalinga), Brass with copper and silver inlay, India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)
India (Jammu and Kashmir, ancient kingdom of Kashmir)
8th–9th century
Linga with Face of Shiva (Ekamukhalinga), Sandstone, India (Madhya Pradesh)
India (Madhya Pradesh)
first half of the 5th century
Shiva Linga, Sandstone, Southern Thailand
Southern Thailand
7th–8th century

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