Phallic stone, Chingam, near Kongam (Image number C.013, J.P. Mills Photographic Collection)

The skull of the deceased is placed in this stone cist, in the belief that the fertility or "soul force" contained in the head will be channelled back into the earth, and thus increase the fertility of the village.

Full title: Phallic stone, Chingam, near Kongam (Image number C.013, J.P. Mills Photographic Collection) [electronic resource].
Format: Photo           
Language: English
Published: 1923.
Series: SOAS Digital Library.
ASC.
REGIONS.
RSA.
JPMILLS.
ILOAA.
Subjects:
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