Not currently on display at the V&A

Yoni

Place of origin

The yoni, which represents the vulva, is the female counterpart to the lingam. The lingam represents the phallus and is a symbol of the Hindu god Shiva. The lingam is usually stood upon the yoni, thus conveying union between the two genders and they are used in Hindu worship. Sometimes a yoni may have grooves carved into its surface to channel away water that may be poured over the lingam.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Rock crystal, cut and polished using abrasives, most probably fashioned in part on a bow-driven lathe.
Brief description
A yoni, for religious use, rock crystal, northern India
Physical description
A yoni, fashioned and polished in colourless rock crystal. Generally cylindrical with a v-shaped groove cut around the middle, resembling a pulley, with a central protrusion at one end together with a second, lateral protrusion.
Dimensions
  • 772( is) height: 36.0mm
  • 772( is) diameter: 32.4 to 33.8mm (Note: Diameter range of the base)
  • 772( is) length: 44.4mm (Note: Length of the upper part, including the lateral protrusion)
  • 772( is) width: 34.8mm (Note: Width of the upper part, at 90 degrees to the lateral protrusion)
Object history
This object was formerly in the India Museum in London and it was transferred to the South Kensington Museum (later renamed The Victoria & Albert Museum) in 1879.
Summary
The yoni, which represents the vulva, is the female counterpart to the lingam. The lingam represents the phallus and is a symbol of the Hindu god Shiva. The lingam is usually stood upon the yoni, thus conveying union between the two genders and they are used in Hindu worship. Sometimes a yoni may have grooves carved into its surface to channel away water that may be poured over the lingam.
Bibliographic references
  • Dallpiccola, Anna L., Author. Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend. Thames & Hudson Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-500-28402-4
  • Liebert, Gösta, Author. Iconographic Dictionary of the Indian Religions. Sri Satguru Publications, Delhi, India, 1986. ISBN 81-7030-098-3
Collection
Accession number
772(IS)

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Record createdJune 25, 2009
Record URL
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