Indian Mukha or Face Lingam / Cover

Stern face with big ears and a mustache, topped with a little spire.

This mukha or face lingam cover is from Maharashtra, India, and dates to the 17th century. It is bronze. A lingam is the abstract, rounded form in which the Hindu god Shiva is worshipped, and a mukha lingam adds one or more faces to that form. Cast head on a flared neck, with a tall pointed finial above a banded cap. Heavy lidded eyes, a strong nose, a curled mustache and large round ears give it a solemn look. The brass surface is dark golden with a rubbed shine. It is 2.5 inches wide, 2.5 deep and 5 high.

Serious expression, excellent ears.