Indian Iron Tantric Lingam

Glossy and heavy-shouldered, with a streaky patch of light bouncing off the crown.

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. Basically it is a broad, egg-shaped form in inky black. Fine parallel streaks show in the polish at the upper left, where a bright reflection pools. The base sits on a wide, thick black plinth that is visibly separate from the oval. It is 12 inches high and 7.5 in diameter.

Standing on a pedestal and entirely at ease there.