This is a rare example of south Indian temple jewellery; such embellishments would have been used to adorn temple deities on festive occasions. The lingam is one of the most ancient religious symbols; the most common form seen in Indian representations is the lingam set in a yoni. In this silver version the large cobra head and ringed base representing the coils with scale detail, surmounting a gold yoni and lingam, with three suspended elements below is a typical element of Tamil ritual jewellery.
