3rd-2nd millennium BC. A polished blue-green alabaster pillar idol of cylindrical form with flange finial, shallow transverse slot to each flat face. Cf. Pottier, M. H., Matériel funéraire de la Bactriane méridonale de L' Age du Bronze, Mémoire, Editions Recherche sur les Civilisations, 36, p.16, pl.V, nos.34-5, for two similar lingams called 'masses d'arme', and p.43, pl.XXXV, nos.292-3, for similar yoni; also, Schmidt, E. F., Tepe Hissar Excavations, 1931; The Museum Journal, XXIII, no.4, 1933, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, pl.CXXXVI. 3.2 kg, 23.5cm (9 1/4"). Property of a London gentleman; formerly with the Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK; acquired before 1972.