Indian Mukha or Face Lingam / Cover

Round-faced, wide-eyed, and rather like a moon with a mustache.

A Karnataka, South India, brass mukha, or face lingam cover, dated to the 18th century. Mukhas are commonly placed over a lingam, giving Shiva a face in daily worship. This example is compact and broad, with big almond eyes outlined in a fine ridge and a smooth, domed head faintly incised. Ears project like handles on either side. A small bump marks the front of the chest below a short neck. Dark spots of old residue speckle the gold-toned surface.

About 3 inches tall. Fits in the hand and fills a shelf.