Indian Mukha or Face Lingam / Cover

The friendliest face in the batch, with a grin under the mustache.

This mukha, or face lingam cover, is Karnataka brass of the 18th century, from South India. Face covers like this are often associated with Shiva worship and may be changed with festivals. The face is clean and symmetrical, with wide-open eyes and a rounded forehead mark. The mustache curls upward at both ends, and the tall crown is cut with vertical ribs and bound with a plain band. Pointed ears flank the head, and the brass is a deep honey color.

About 5 inches tall. Smiles for no one, which is somehow warmer.