Indian Iron Tantric Lingam

Pale gray, with a lumpy maroon-and-gold cluster at the shoulder and a few stray crumbs.

This tantric lingam is from Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is quartz crystal & iron. The word Tantric is Sanskrit for to expand, and Tantra is described as a form of religious practice combining ritual, art, science and philosophy, overlaid on Hinduism and Buddhism. Rising tall and slightly lopsided, the oval has a soft gray-beige surface with fine crackle. Rust-red and mustard patches bunch at the upper left, with tiny dark crumbs scattered below. A pinkish haze lies near the base. It is 12.75 inches high and 6.75 in diameter.

Messy in the most appealing way.