Indian Iron Tantric Lingam

One big chocolate oval sits mid-body like a thumbprint pressed in clay.

This tantric lingam is from Narmada River, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is quartz crystal & iron. Dams planned along the Narmada since the 1940s have steadily removed the dry season that harvesting depends on, so gathering genuine lingams from the riverbed has become close to impossible. Broad, rounded form in pale greige with a large dark brown island at center, edged by a cream halo. A second brown patch curves along the right edge and a narrow sliver sits at left. Fine surface scratches and dark flecks show. It is 9.25 inches high and 5.5 in diameter.

A single bold gesture, repeated by nobody.