Indian Mukha or Face Lingam / Cover

Wide almond eyes, a small dot between the brows and a little smile that has kept its patience for centuries.

This mukha, or face lingam cover, comes from India and dates to the 18th century. It is metal. Mukha covers were generally made to be placed over a lingam on festival days, giving the deity a face. The face is smooth and full, with a straight nose and softly parted lips. Large ornamented earrings hang at the sides. A crown of small petals edges the hairline, and a broad collar of incised and beaded bands frames the chin. It is 6 inches wide, 5.5 deep and 7 high.

Calm is a hard expression to cast, and this one holds it.