Linga (Phallic Emblem of Shiva) with Architectural Base

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

In India and other countries influenced by Hindu theology, including Cambodia, adoration of the linga is understood to be worship of the great generative principle of the universe, conceptualized as an aspect of Shiva. Because some of the Khmer kings identified themselves with Shiva, they placed a linga at the summit of their most important temples as part of their royal paraphernalia.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art