Very Rare 17th Century Shaman’s Divination Lingam Singing Bowl

This very rare Lingam Singing Bowl is of a type used for divination by Shamans; its shallow wall and flat bottom making it ideal for interpreting vibrant rice patterns, egg yolks and entrails, as well as for the preparation of herbal medicines.  It can also serve as a vessel for ceremonial mandalas.

It has very finely hammered walls, a sheered lip and a flat bottom.  A single decorative line encircles the outer rim.   The lingam at its centre is  surrounded and defined by two sets of circles, and there is a deep matching navel or yoni underneath.  Subtle impressions in the outer wall suggest that ritual or magical gashes were once present but have been worn away with the passage of time.

The fundamental note is a third octave A3 (225Hz) when struck with a padded mallet and the rim note is a fifth octave Eb5 (618Hz) when played with a wooden ringer.

This rare divination lingam is one of my oldest bowls and is believed to date from the 17th century.   There are signs of wear and tear and and some copper oxidization around the lingam, as one might expect of a bowl this old, but it remains structurally sound with a nice aged patina.

This bowl looks and feels purposeful and really special – one of a kind!  It will be  supplied uncleaned ‘as found’ with its life story intact.

A padded striker and ringer are included in the price.