A rare, primitive tribal Indian village carving, most likely Bhastar or Kondi. This tribal stele relief carving depicts a very rudimentary image of the Hindu god Shiva, identified by his trident. A village artefact collected from Orissa, India, this type of stele would typically guard the road into and out of the village, enclosed in a small public shrine or sheltered under trees. Hand carved granite stone with some calcification, 18th Century or earlier. 

Measurements:  Height 29.5 cm x width 23 cm x depth 7 cm