Indian Mukha or Face Lingam / Cover

Curled ears, a lopsided stare, and a very tall neck.

This brass mukha, or face lingam cover, was made in Karnataka, South India, in the 18th century. It belongs to a type commonly used to give a lingam a face for worship. The head is narrow, with a flat band across the brow and heavy outlined eyes. The mustache droops at the corners, and spiral curled ears frame the face, a feature the others in this group lack. A long, plain neck descends to a flared base. The surface is a mellow brass, slightly uneven.

About 5 inches tall. Gaze direction is open to interpretation.