Silver Lingam casket, India

Silver lingam casket “chauka” in a square form from Karnataka, India.

The projections symbolize stylized bull’s horns, a reference to Nandin, Shiva’s mount and Basava, the sect founder. In Hindu mythology, Basava is the lord of cattle and men and protects his devotes against evil.

First half of the 20th century.

Dimensions: 12 x 9 x 4 cm
Length of the necklace (approx): 70 cm
Weight: 301 gr

Literature:

“Traditional jewelry of India”, Untracht, Oppi, Harry N. Abrams. Inc publishers, 1997, p. 135
“Colliers ethniques d’Afrique d’Asie, d’Océanie et d’Amérique”, Leurquin, Anne, Skira, 2003, p. 236
“Ethnic jewellery from Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands”, The pepin Press, 2002, p. 140
“Ethnic jewellery and adornment” Daalder, Truus, Ethnic Art Press, 2009, p. 317
“Silver from fetish to fashion”, Nadler, Daniel and Serga, pdn publishing, 2005, p. 199

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