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Śankh

19th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 684
In Hinduism the conch shell is usually associated with the god Vishnu, Lord of the Waters, but the brass fittings on this shell indicate a link with Shaivite ritual. The mouthpiece suggests a lotus, while the heavily decorated conical end depicts rows of nagas (serpent divinities) and wreath-bearing kirtimukhas ("Faces of Glory"). A yoni design (symbol of female energy) is interspersed between each naga and kirtimukha. The fitting terminates with the head of a makara (elephant/crocodile monster), atop which strides a yali (elephant/lion monster). Three figures rest at the upper edge of the shell's opening: the lingam/yoni, symbol of Shiva and representation of the unified male/female force; Ganesh, the elephant-headed son of Shiva; and Nandi, a milk-white bull who serves as Shiva's vehicle. The opening of the hoofed stand represents a yoni.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Śankh
  • Date: 19th century
  • Geography: Kerala State, India
  • Culture: Indian
  • Medium: Shell (Turbinella pyrum), brass, wax
  • Dimensions: Sankh: 6 × 6 × 16 3/4 in. (15.2 × 15.2 × 42.5 cm)
    Stand: 2 1/4 × 4 3/4 × 5 3/4 in. (5.7 × 12.1 × 14.6 cm)

    Weight: under 40 lbs
  • Classification: Aerophone-Lip Vibrated-trumpet / trombone
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The Barrington Foundation Inc. Gift, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.12
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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