Lingaraj translates to King of the Lingam—a title of Shiva. While lingam literally refers to the phallus, Hindu tradition also reveres it as the endless pillar of light: the eternal source of creation, without beginning or end.

Dali is the golden-haired goddess of the Caucasus Mountains, dwelling in a cavern high upon the twin peaks of Ushba. A Venusian deity of the Morning Star, she presides over thresholds—where night becomes dawn, and one year gives way to another.

“Dali was perceived as extremely sensitive to any kind of spiritual pollution entering her mountains, which were considered pure and therefore sacred.

A hunter who became Dali's lover would be guaranteed success in the hunt. In return, he was prohibited from revealing the secrets of his good fortune, and from taking any mortal lovers for the duration of the affair.

Engaging in an affair with Dali was a dangerous undertaking. Dali's beauty would inflame the hunter's passions to the point of near-madness, a state that was referred to as being "dalelukdune”, Dali-possessed. After the affair was consummated, any appearance of infidelity on the hunter's part would incur the goddess's wrath. He could be attacked by her animals or lured to his death upon a dangerous cliff.

Although risky, it was possible for a wily hunter to negotiate terms with Dali beforehand. As long as the hunter's terms were set before the affair began, Dali would respect them.

It is said that even death could not end Dali's obsessive behavior toward her beloved hunters.”

— Wikipedia

Until I return to the mountains, may this collection serve as my offering to Dali.

Hera is the Greek goddess of marriage, devotion, and sovereignty. The pink flamingo and the peacock are her most cherished symbols.