English: A greenstone votive model or abstract representation of the Hindu deity Shiva, known as a lingam (Sanskrit for 'symbol'). This type of object is also known as a Shiva 'linga' or 'Shivling'.

The Shiva Lingam is formed of three parts; a pedestal base, a pointed oval ledge, and a dome decorated with three horizontal lines. These are considered as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva respectively.

Shiva Lingams or 'shivlings' can occur as natural objects, such as domed stones, or as votive models used for worship in temples or smaller shrines. Shivlings are holy symbols of the Lord Shiva that are considered sacred by devotees.

This item was discovered in the intertidal zone at Skegness and probably represents a contemporary deposit at the ocean's edge. It joins several other objects of Hindu association found in Lincolnshire, all of which have been found in the intertidal zone (SWYOR-3670C3, LIN-E7E358, and LIN-E884E8). One of these (SWYOR-3670C3) is almost identical to the present example and was found further up the coast at Cleethorpes.

After the discovery of the present example, the Lincolnshire FLO took the item to the local Hindu Cultural Society. They explained that a possible reason for its deposition was owing to the owner no longer being able to carry out the rituals required for its worship (for example, ill health). Since Hindu custom forbids the destruction of these items, the appropriate method of disposal is to put it in the sea to let the gods take care of it.