Large Rare Antique Shaman Divination Lingam Singing Bowl – Talking & Fountain

Antique Shaman Lingam Singing Bowl.  Notes C3 & F#4 (Root & Heart Chakras)

Weight 1 kilo (2 lb 2 oz).  Size 24 x 6.5 cm (9 ½ x 2 ½ inches)

This rare shallow antique singing bowl with its button lingam was recently sourced in Nagaland in North East India, a region known for its diverse tribal cultures, deep shamanic and tantric traditions, and some of the last headhunters. It is one of several similar bowls acquired during my recent trip to Nepal, and I very much doubt I will find more.

This particular Lingam bowl is one of the oldest in my collection and is believed to date from the 17th or 18th century. Its versatility makes it very much one of a kind as it is capable of talking and producing fountains when played with a little water inside, as well as having two good singing voices when struck or played around the rim. 

The fundamental note is a third octave C (132Hz) that is close to concert pitch when struck with a padded mallet or played around the rim with a suede ringer. The rim note changes to a middle F# (377Hz) if a wooden ringer is employed. A suede ringer will produce the F#3 if played with water inside.

This shallow flat-bottomed bowl has well forged hammered walls, and a small but pronounced button lingam at its centre surrounded and defined by a single circle, with another concentric circle some distance away. There is a small matching naval underneath.  It is in good structural condition, clean but with some aged patina.

This rare antique Lingam bowl is of a type used by shaman for divination, and on ritual or ceremonial occasions.

A Tibetan silk brocade bowl cushion, a padded striker, and a ringer are all included in the price.

Note: Audio clips coming soon.