Indian Iron Tantric Lingam

A thin red and gold stripe circles the top like a ribbon tied by the river itself.

This tantric lingam comes from the Narmada River in India, in quartz crystal and iron. Narmada lingams are generally gathered from the riverbed and polished, and their natural markings are often read as auspicious signs in Shaiva devotion. This one is a smooth, egg-shaped stone in deep brown and taupe, with faint green clouding on one side. A narrow band of maroon, pale yellow and a thin green line wraps around the upper third. The polish is soft and even all over. It is 7 inches high and 5 in diameter.

Shaped by water, and none the worse for the patience.