This silver 'ayigalu' (lingam box) from South India, is part of a collection of three ayigalu in the museum. This box is square-shaped and is attached on either side by long cylindrical-like parts which are decorated with diamond-shaped designs. The top of the box is finished with a finial-like structure and the box is attached to a chain and worn around the neck. It is interesting to note that lingam boxes such as this, are cult objects of the Lingayat community of staunch Shiva worshippers of Karnataka. They are known as Lingi and the founder of this Vira Shaiva philosophy.
