Rare 19th Century Copper Yoni Ritual Pourer

Rare Antique Yoni Ritual Vessel for Pouring Holy Water

L13½ x W5½ x H4 inches (34 x 14 x 10 cm). Weight 0.87 kilos (2 lb 14½ oz)

This rare Yoni Ritual Pourer was sourced in Nepal but is probably of Indian origin.  Although I have listed it as 19^th century I believe this item may be considerably older.

This ritual vessel for pouring holy water is beautifully handcrafted from beaten copper.  It has an elongated bulbous form with a flared and ridged spout at one end, and represents the female genitalia.  It is used in Saivite temples to lustrate (ritually purify) its male equivalent, the lingam (phallus) and emblem of Siva.

This particularly large example is in good structural condition but has clearly been used over the centuries, and has a patina commensurate with its age.  It should not be too difficult to clean and polish if so desired, but this would not be my choice.

Although this is not a singing bowl it is another sacred object with a connection to the region, and I have no doubt it will be of considerable interest to collectors of rare Himalayan ritual and ceremonial antiquities.  I have others in my private collection, the smallest of which is just 14cm in length, should you be interested.

Note: 

A virtually identical Yoni Ritual Pourer was sold at auction in 2010 for £1,000.  

A rare Yoni Lingam Ceremonial Vessel of similar size can be seen here.