palad khik (Amulet)

Fertility amulet. Palad Khik originated in India and relate to the Hindu god Shiva. There are also animistic symbols of fertility. The carvings can be made from wood, metal, bone, horn or ivory, and are often created by monks, who specialize in them.

Phallic-shaped amulet with a monkey wrapped around the top. Smiling monkey's facial features are carved in relief; diagonal lines across limbs and tail, imitating fur. Curvilinear motifs carved along length of amulet. Cutout where the monkey's tail loops overtop of amulet, forming a ring for hanging purposes.