Shiva Linga: A visual Quest

Deepak Tolange, a filmmaker and researcher from Nepal, employed a mixed methodology in this multi-layered visual research project together with a museum team, especially Sophia Bokop, a provenance researcher in further investigation and analysis. Deepak aims to highlight the deep connection and significance of the sacred objects in Hindu communities for their very existence, life, and beliefs.

For me this visual research project is a journey to reconnect, rediscover, and relearn about Lord Shiva – one of the principal deities of Hinduism, and to explore various stories, rituals, and festivals related to Shiva/Shiva Linga. The primary focus of this visual research is to find the origin of a copper-gilded, four-faced Chaturmukha Shiva Linga kosh within the collection of the Museum für Asiatische Kunst, Berlin. Many different rituals are performed and festivals celebrated in honour of Shiva/Shiva Linga on a daily basis, on special occasions and annually.

This Shiva Linga sheath had previously been displayed in a permanent exhibition at the Museum für Indische Kunst in 2000 to 2015. Subsequently, it was prepared for a new permanent exhibition at the Humboldt Forum in 2022. Shortly before the opening, however, a more in-depth examination of the provenance of the sheath was considered relevant for further decisions, especially since it was acquired by the former Museum für Indische Kunst in late 1993.

This multi-layered visual research project employs a mixed methodology. During the CoMuse fellowship period, I will work together with the museum team, in particular with Sophia Bokop, a provenance researcher, in further investigation and analysis. I will also edit visual materials to make a short documentary film. The findings will be presented via this short documentary and in an exhibition.

- Deepak Tolange