3rd-2nd millennium BC. A substantial polished alabaster pillar idol of waisted cylindrical form with 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. 7.4 kg, 32cm (12 1/2"). Property of a London gentleman; formerly with the Mahboubian Gallery, London, UK; acquired before 1972.