Extremely Rare 17th Century Shaman Lingam Medicine & Divination Singing Bowl

Antique Lingam Medicine Singing Bowl. Notes D3/G4 (Sacral & Throat & Chakras)
Weight 946 grams (2 lb 1 oz).  Size 22 x 5.5 cm (8 ¾ x 2 ¼ inches)

This extremely rare Shaman’s Medicine Lingam Singing Bowl is believed to date from the 17^th or possibly early 18^thcentury.   Shallow bowls with extreme width to height ratios such as this are associated with shamanic medicinal preparations, marriage and healing rituals, and especially divination.

It is likely that the sonic properties of this bowl are secondary to its ritual functions. Nonetheless, it has an excellent fundamental D3 (144/6Hz) that flickers to G4 (389Hz) when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer (where the G4 dominates).  The rim note becomes a perfect pitch G4 (392/3Hz) when played with a wooden ringer. 

This fascinating medicinal and divination bowl has a shallow curved wall, a sheered lip and a lingam at its centre defined and surrounded by multiple pairs of circles that radiate all the way to the inner rim. And there is a deep naval or yoni underneath.

This bowl benefits from a small inscription on the outer wall; an indication of the importance and high esteem in which it was held by a former keeper.

It is in excellent structural condition, free of stains and blemishes, and has a deep antique golden bronze colour and aged patina. 

Shaman ritual bowls of any type are few and far between, and lingams are incredibly rare.  This bowl has the look and feel of great antiquity, and a unique charismatic presence that is hard to describe. I have only encountered one other similar bowl in over 35 years of collecting.

 A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion and a ringer are included in the price.

{audio}lingam946.mp3{/audio}

Listen: (3 struck notes and 2 played notes, suede ringer then wood).