Indian Mukha or Face Lingam / Cover

Dark bronze, a patterned crown, and a mustache like a wave.

Maharashtra, India, is the home of this bronze mukha, or face lingam cover, dated to the 18th century. Covers of this type are commonly fitted over a Shiva lingam for worship. A band of incised crosshatching circles the crown, topped with a small knob. The brows are sharp and the eyes are wide, with a wavy mustache drawn across the upper lip. Ears have small holes, and a ridged collar sits above a flared foot. The bronze is dark brown and softly worn.

About 4 inches tall. Moody, and best in low light.