Indian Iron Tantric Lingam

Dusty mauve-grey, scratched all over like a well-loved record sleeve.

This tantric lingam is from Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is quartz crystal & iron. Brahmin villages along a short part of the river traditionally gathered lingams from shallow water in the dry season, then shaped and hand-polished them, sometimes for as long as a year. Oval body on a black base, soft grey-violet in tone with dozens of fine criss-crossing scratches. A few small pits and dark specks dot the upper area. The finish is satin rather than glossy. It is 17.25 inches high and 9.25 in diameter.

It wears its scuffs the way some people wear tweed.