Unknown Artist
- Title
- Mukha-linga
- Place of origin
-
Cambodia
- Cultural origin
- Khmer, possibly Ta Keo
- Period
- Pre-Angkorian period circa 500 - 799 → Cambodia
- Year
- 7th century-8th century
- Media category
- Sculpture
- Materials used
- Shiva lingam stone
- Dimensions
-
64.0 x 18.4 x 18.4cm
- Signature & date
- Not signed. Not dated.
- Credit
- Purchased 1996
- Accession number
- 477.1996
- Location
- Upper Asian gallery
- Further information
The 'linga', the most sacred form of the powerful god Shiva, is composed of three parts: the square lower section, usually embedded in the earth, is associated with Brahma, the Creator; the hexagonal mid-section, embedded within a seat or plinth known as the 'yoni', is associated with Vishnu, the Preserver; and the domed, cylindrical upper section is associated with Shiva, the Destroyer. This tripartite form symbolises the principle of transmigration ('samsara'): that all living beings are thought to exist within an eternal cycle of creation, preservation and dissolution, which continues throughout eternity.
This piece attests to the importance of Shaivism in Southeast Asia, where Shiva was the tutelary deity ('ishtadevata') of Jayavarman II, who in 802 CE established the Khmer empire. The 'linga' became the sacred icon of Jayavarman II's kingdom and through the cult of 'linga' worship consolidated the notion of the king as a 'devaraja' ('god-king').
The Asian Collections, AGNSW, 2003, pg.311.
- Bibliography (3)
-
'New Dimensions', by Jackie Menzies, pg. 54-63., Arts of Asia Nov 2003-Dec 2003, Nov 2003-Dec 2003, 58 (colour illus.). no.9
'Sensuous Spirituality: Hindu and Buddhist Art from the Indic Cultural Realm' by Pratapaditya Pal, pg. 80-87., Orientations Sep 2000, Sep 2000, 80 (illus.; colour illus.). fig.1and 1a (detail)
The Asian Collections Art Gallery of New South Wales 2003, 2003, 311 (colour illus.).
