Shiva linga

I discovered Tantra art in Point Reyes Books today: anonymous (for the most part) mystical paintings from India.  There are lots of Shiva linga, among other things.  Shiva linga are symbols of masculine power.  Here's how the American Institute of Vedic Studies describes them:

In the Sanskrit language, the word linga refers to a ‘chief mark’ or ‘characteristic’ of something. As a term, it is not per se a synonym for the male sexual organ, as some would believe. Linga indicates what is outstanding and determinative. In this regard, the male sexual organ can be said to be the distinguishing characteristic or linga of a man at a physical level, but linga in other contexts can have quite a different meaning.

When I was painting I used to paint things similar to this and had an idea that the shape was essential.  I made hundreds of images and objects based on the shape.  I have posted a couple of my unconscious Shiva linga separately.

Unconscious Shiva linga

Thank you Nelson Mandela