Ekamukhalinga at the Guimet Museum, Paris

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Siva manifests in numerous forms, yet is primarily worshipped in his linga or phallus form, which signifies his primordial power of creation. From the earliest appearance of Siva in the linga form around the 1st century BCE at Aghapur and Gudimallam, the linga shaft adorned with Siva in anthropomorphic form became the dominant linga-type of the early period. In this representation, Siva's head emerges from the linga shaft with his third eye clearly visible. He is depicted as moustached, wearing a rudraksa mala necklace made from stones of the fruit of a tree sacred to Siva. His uncut hair is piled high in the style of a yogic ascetic; further locks cascade down behind his ears. A linga of this scale could have been worshipped as the cult image of a Saivite temple, few of which survive intact from the Gupta period. The distinctive pink sandstone suggests that it originated in the region of Mathura. Representations of a deity emerging from a tree trunk occur in Sunga and Satavahana art of the 1st century BCE, embodying shared concepts of the divine in nature and the manifestation of the godhead in anthropomorphic form. The symbolism of the tree-post-pillar as devices linking the earth and sky was widespread in early Indian religious thinking and may have contributed to the pillar becoming a central motif. The linga, literally meaning "sign," became the most powerful icon of Siva, with all others being subsidiary. This object is part of "Scan The World." Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, which aims to create a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access. Scan the World is an open-source community effort; if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can help.