Linga and Yoni; Cambodia, Angkorian Period, Bayon, 12th-13th centuries.

Linga and Yoni; Cambodia, Angkorian period, Bayon, 12th-13th century.
Bronze and rock crystal.
Reference: exhibition catalog: "Pierre de Lumière", Musée de Namur, 2007, p.194.
Measurements: 8,5 x 15 x 10,4 cm.
Square bronze yoni and rock crystal linga. A lingam sometimes called linga or Shiva linga, is an abstract or aniconic representation of the Hindu god Shiva in Shaivism. It is often depicted within a disc-shaped platform, the yoni - its female counterpart. consisting of a flat, horizontal element compared to the vertical lingam, and designed to allow liquid offerings to drain for collection. Together, they symbolize the merging of the microcosm and macrocosm.
The Bayon is a richly decorated, Buddhist-related Khmer temple at Angkor in Cambodia. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century as a state temple of King Jayavarman VII. The most distinctive feature of the Bayon is the multitude of serene, smiling stone faces of Brahma-probably modeled after the face of King Jayavarman VII. The Bayon style is known as the most striking expression of the baroque style" of Khmer architecture, in contrast to the classical style of Angkor Wat.