Vintage Terracotta Shiva Lingam with Parvati, India (11325JLK) $165

Description

This painted earthenware terracotta Hindu devotional image (murti ) of Shiva and Parvati was used to help devotees in daily prayers (puja) focus and visualize the deities on their home altar. This image is both aniconic (symbolic, abstract, and non- representational) and figurative. Shiva’s image is represented by a symbolic round phallus – a lingham – while his consort Parvati is fully portrayed as a deity. Shiva is the chief devotional image found in temples and in small shrines dedicated to him. He is known as “The Great God”  and in the Shivite branch of Hinduism which is devoted to the worship Shiva he is regarded as the Supreme Being. Among the three principle Gods of Hinduism (trimurti), he is “The Destroyer” and is said to have created the universe which he protects and is also able to transform. Shiva and Parvati together symbolize the union of the masculine and feminine that literally creates humans and, symbolically, all existence. Terracotta Images from India themselves are considered spiritual, mystical and auspicious as Hindus believe terracotta incorporates the five natural elements of air, fire, earth, water and metal and terracotta images are seen as wishes for a better life. As modern ones are mass-produced, antique and vintage pieces from the early and even to mid 20^th century are now viewed as desirable collectibles. This vintage piece is in excellent condition with minor surface losses and is part of the VA Collection of Hindu-Cultural-and-Ritual Art.

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