Linga Cover with Head of God Shiva
8th/9th century
Medium
Brass
Dimensions
16.2 × 9.9 × 4.5 cm (6 3/8 × 3 7/8 × 1 3/4 in.)
Classification
brass
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
149798
Art Historical Context
This exquisite brass Linga Cover with Head of God Shiva, dating to the 8th or 9th century, hails from the Arts of Asia and is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago Measuring a compact 16.2 × 9.9 × 4.5 cm, it served as a protective and devotional cap for a Shiva linga—a sacred, abstract symbol of the Hindu god Shiva, representing his creative energy and cosmic power. Crafted by an unknown artist, the cover features a detailed depiction of Shiva's serene yet potent face, blending the aniconic linga tradition with rare anthropomorphic elements, which highlights the devotional artistry of early m...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...