Mukhalingam, devotional sculpture and symbol of the presence of the invisible reality

Beautiful Shiva Mukhalingam made in solid disposable wax bronze casting. The devotional sculpture depicts the face of Shiva. In Sanskrit the term "Mukha" means face and 'Lingam' refers to a sometimes abstract and/or aniconic emblematic symbol of the phallic form identified in the male sex of Shiva and by extension, in universal creation.
During the Kushan period (1st century to 3rd century AD) in northern India, human faces were added to lingams, hence the name mukhalingam.
This very pleasant devotional sculpture marks the presence of the invisible transcendental reality of Shiva who manifests himself by appearing to the faithful with a human face. The details are beautiful, the turban, the earrings, the jewels, the large mustache and the unkempt beard.
Consolidated vermilion powder sediments, signs of light wear due to the continuous and prolonged rubbing of the ritual.