Emblem of the God Shiva (<em>Linga</em>)
Angkor period, 9th–13th century
Medium
Sandstone
Dimensions
46.7 × 14.6 × 14.6 cm (18 3/8 × 5 3/4 × 5 3/4 in.)
Classification
sandstone
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
153508
Art Historical Context
This exquisite sandstone *linga*, emblem of the Hindu god Shiva, hails from the Khmer Empire's Angkor period (9th–13th century), a golden age of monumental temple architecture in ancient Cambodia. Carved during the height of Shaivite devotion, the *linga* symbolizes Shiva's creative and regenerative power—an abstract, phallic form revered as a manifestation of the divine. Standing just 46.7 cm tall, this compact sculpture likely served as a devotional object in temples or shrines, reflecting the Khmer's profound integration of religion into daily life and royal patronage. Khmer artisans maste...