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Mukhalingam with Naga
Karnataka (South India)

brass

A finely cast and decorated Mukhalingam, – the moustachioed Shiva wears a simple turban, delicate naga (snake) earrings and a beaded necklace. His head rests on the patterned coils of the serpent Vasuki whose five-headed hood forms a canopy over his head.

Shiva is one of the three principal deities of Hinduism. He is labelled the ‘destroyer’ with the Trimurti, Hinduism’s trinity which includes Brahma and Vishnu. While sometimes depicted iconically, he is usually worshipped in the aniconic from of a lingam. The lingam is shaped like a pillar with a round top and can be made of stone, wood or metal. Mukha-linga signifies a visage or face on a metallic, cylindrical casting used to cover a stone lingam. The cover is thought to protect the viewer from the harm that could occur on visualization of the linga, especially one with eyes painted on its surface, which is believed to energize the figure. The metallic visage iconically depicts Shiva, wearing his characteristic moustache, earrings and matted hair.

Size (cms): 30.5(H) x 17(W) x 17(D)
Size (inches): 12(H) x 6.5(W) x 6.5(D)

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Naga Altar Ornament
Maharashtra/ Karnataka

Brass alloy

A decorative cylindrical cover in the shaped of a coiled naga (snake) which may have fit over a lingam (or might have been worshipped in its own right in lieu of a lingam). Many covers have faces (in which case they are called a mukhalinga). Lingam covers are used in puja or prayer rituals and are a visible form of the mantra namah Shivaya through which devotees invoke the blessings of Shiva.

Shiva is one of the three principal deities of Hinduism. He is labelled the ‘destroyer’ with the Trimurti, Hinduism’s trinity which includes Brahma and Vishnu. While sometimes depicted iconically, he is usually worshipped in the aniconic from of a lingam. The lingam is shaped like a pillar with a round top and can be made of stone, wood or metal.

Size (cms): 12(H) x 8(W) x 5(D)
Size (inches): 4.5(H) x 3(W) x 2(D)

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Ritual Vessel
Orissa

Brass alloy

A beautiful patinated tantric ritual vessel with a stupa shaped lid. Symbols related to water and fertility and depicted including rows of grains, two step wells in cruciform shape, sun and moon symbols and five water Goddesses.

The Sätiasarā are non-Brahminic river deities or water nymphs worshiped primarily in rural Maharashtra. They have no distinctive mythology, and their cult lacks temples and priests, festivals and places of pilgrimage. They are considered sisters, depicted up to seven in number and are sometimes accompanied by Mhaskoba, their brother. Little is known about their mythology and they are associated with fertility. If angered, they are considered to harm women, mostly related to maternity, and are responsible for infertility, miscarriage or death of infants. To appease them, up to thirty-four different items such as fruits, flowers, small trinkets, and cosmetics, seven at a time, must be placed in seven new baskets and deposited in a waterhole by the river. This vessel was probably used as part of the puja (prayer) ritual to appease the Goddesses.

Size (cms): 14.5(H) x 11(W) x 11(D)
Size (inches): 5.5(H) x 4.5(W) x 4.5(D)

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Shiva Mukhavata
Karnataka (South India)

brass

A finely detailed Mukhavata boasts an attractive shape, colour, and patina. The moustachioed Shiva is adorned with extensive jewellery, including a headband topped by a serpent (naga), and his curled and matted hair splays out from either side of his ears. Shiva’s third eye is prominently visible on his forehead.

Mukhavata or facial masks are two-dimensional metal castings of the crowned or turbaned heads of various deities, mostly manifestations of Shiva and Parvati. Included in this group are Khandoba, Mallanna, Gauri and their regional variants who are worshipped under different names.

Shiva is one of the three principal deities of Hinduism. He is labelled the ‘destroyer’ with the Trimurti, Hinduism’s trinity which includes Brahma and Vishnu. While sometimes depicted iconically, he is usually worshipped in the aniconic from of a lingam. The lingam is shaped like a pillar with a round top and can be made of stone, wood or metal. Mukha-linga signifies a visage or face on a metallic, cylindrical casting used to cover a stone lingam. The cover is thought to protect the viewer from the harm that could occur on visualization of the linga, especially one with eyes painted on its surface, which is believed to energize the figure. The metallic visage iconically depicts Shiva, wearing his characteristic moustache, earrings and matted hair.

Size (cms): 21.5(H) x 16.5(W) x 9.5(D)
Size (inches): 8.5(H) x 6.5(W) x 3.5(D)

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Mukhalingam
Karnataka (South India)

brass

Mukha-linga signifies a visage or face on a metallic, cylindrical casting used to cover a stone linga (phallus), which is the phallus symbol of the god Shiva. The linga is made of natural or dressed stone usually in an ovoid configuration. The cover is thought to protect the viewer from the harm that could occur on visualization of the linga, especially one with eyes painted on its surface, which is believed to energize the figure.

Size(cms): 14 (H) x 7 (Diameter)

Size(inches): 5.5 (H) x 2.8 (Diameter)

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Head of a Dwarapala
Karnataka

Wood

A charming folk wooden carved head of a male attendant/guardian figure wearing a tiered crown and large ornamental earrings. Such figures were placed in folk temples in Karnataka and usually painted and clothed.

Attendant figures called Dwarapalas or ‘door guardians’ are placed at the entrance of every temple, shrine or sacred precinct. Two or four-handed, they sometimes carry in their hands the emblem of the deity enshrined in the sanctuary. Their countenance may sometimes be fierce and occasionally fangs protrude from their mouths. Temples dedicated to goddesses have female guardians – the Dwarapalikas.

Size (cms): 25(H) x 15(W) x 10(D)
Size (inches): 10(H) x 6(W) x 4(D)

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Head of a man
Karnataka

Wood

A charming folk wooden carved head of a male attendant/guardian figure. Such figures were placed in folk temples in Karnataka and usually painted and clothed. Attendant figures called Dvarapalas or ‘door guardians’ are placed at the entrance of temples, shrines or sacred precincts. Two or four-handed, they carry in their hands the emblem of the deity enshrined in the sanctuary. Their countenance may be fierce or gentle. Temples dedicated to goddesses have female guardians – the Dwarapalikas.

Size (cms): 27(H) x 13(W) x 14(D)
Size (inches): 10.5(H) x 5(W) x 5.5(D)

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Turban Head
Western India

Wood

A striking patinated wooden turban stand that has been worn through use. It would have been used to hold a turban.

Size (cms): 39(H) x 17(W) x 19(D)
Size (inches): 15.5(H) x 6.5(W) x 7.5(D)

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Turban Head
North India

Wood

A lovely patinated wooden turban stand that has been worn through use. It would have been used to display a Sikh turban.

Size (cms): 41(H) x 22(W) x 20(D)
Size (inches): 16(H) x 8.5(W) x 8(D)

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Panjurli (Boar) Mask
Coastal Karnataka (South India)

brass alloy

A finely detailed Panjurli (boar) mask with a symmetric conical shape, attractive colour, and rich patina. The head is adorned with a central vertical beaded rope that encircles the snout at one end and the head at its widest point. Features such as the eyes, ears, tusks, and snout are meticulously crafted.

This mask comes from the bhuta tradition on the Malabar coast. The bhuta and daiva, local divine or deified beings are highly prevalent in the southern parts of the Kannara district. Though now largely confined to south Kannara, certain areas of north Kannara and even Sri Lanka, bhuta cults once existed all over India under different names and forms. These cults, which are of considerable antiquity, have much in common with those of the yakshas, for instance. Like bhutas, yakshas are a ‘queer blend of what is sublime and mundane, profound and profane.’⁠⠀

In Tulu Nadu, hordes of boars often invaded and destroyed the cultivated lands so the farmers started worshipping and giving offerings to Panjurli, the spirit in the form of a boar, thinking that this would appease his mood and thus keep the wild animals away from their fields.

Mask Size (cms): 27(H) x 26(W) x 33(D), 35(H with stand)
Mask Size (inches): 10.5(H) x 10(W) x 13(D), 14(H with stand)

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Bhairava ‘Demon Scarer’
Northern Karnataka (South India)

brass

A finely cast small Bhairava head, the ferocious form of Shiva. The head has a rounded tubular extension at its base, which would fit over a pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions. The fanged visage has bulging eyes and cheeks and with finely cast earrings. A prominent third eye, a symbol of Shiva’s destructive force, is a key identifier. ⁠

The use of monster figures and monster masks, usually made of bronze, was also used for this purpose. These mostly depicted a demonic form of Bhairava, one of the avatars of Shiva. They were made with a rounded tubular extension at its base, which would fit over a pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions. A moustachioed visage was usually portrayed characterised by a vicious face with bulging eyes and cheeks and with a huge gaping mouth with large teeth and fangs. The forehead of the figure often carried the third eye, a symbol of Shiva’s destructive force, and sometimes also include sectarian marks consisting of three horizontally oriented straight or slightly curved lines. Other masks exhibited a distinct animal-like visage with huge teeth and a gigantic mouth. Those were often referred to as ‘tiger masks’. Some masks assumed the expression of a gargoyle with huge, bulging cheeks. Others incorporated composite features including tusks, bossing of the skull and occasionally the horns of a ram.

Protective deities such as viras (deified heroes), kshetrapalas (guardians), bhutas (spirits of various deities), including some daivas (devils) were expected to provide protection against invaders, thieves, the elements- fire , storms, floods, drought, disease etc. Since the earth was populated by gods and their counterparts in the nether world, demons, evil spirits and ghosts, prayers, offerings and sacrifices were made to both groups to propitiate them.

Size (cms): 18.5(H) x 15.5(W) x 9(D)
Size (inches): 7.5(H) x 6(W) x 3.5(D)

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Bhairava ‘Demon Scarer’
Northern Karnataka (South India)

brass

A monstrous animal like head depicting the demonic form of Bhairava, one of the avatars of Shiva. The moustachioed visage has a vicious face with bulging eyes and cheeks and with a huge gaping mouth with large teeth and fangs. The head has a rounded tubular extension at its base, which would fit over a pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions.

Protective deities such as viras (deified heroes), kshetrapalas (guardians), bhutas (spirits of various deities), including some daivas (devils) were expected to provide protection against invaders, thieves, the elements- fire , storms, floods, drought, disease etc. Since the earth was populated by gods and their counterparts in the nether world, demons, evil spirits and ghosts, prayers, offerings and sacrifices were made to both groups to propitiate them.

Size (cms): 28(H) x 22(W) x 23.5(D)
Size (inches): 11(H) x 8.5(W) x 9.5(D)

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Demon Scarer
Karnataka

brass alloy

A finely cast Bhairava head also know as a ‘Demon Scarer’. The head has a rounded tubular extension at its base, which would fit over a pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions. The moustachioed visage has a vicious face with bulging eyes and cheeks and with a huge gaping mouth with large teeth and fangs.

Such monster figures and monster masks depict a demonic form of Bhairava, one of the avatars of Shiva. Some masks exhibited a distinct animal-like visage with huge teeth and a gigantic mouth. Those were often referred to as ‘tiger masks’. Some masks assumed the expression of a gargoyle with huge, bulging cheeks. Others incorporated composite features including tusks, bossing of the skull and occasionally the horns of a ram.

Protective deities such as viras (deified heroes), kshetrapalas (guardians), bhutas (spirits of various deities), including some daivas (devils) were expected to provide protection against invaders, thieves, the elements- fire , storms, floods, drought, disease etc. Since the earth was populated by gods and their counterparts in the nether world, demons, evil spirits and ghosts, prayers, offerings and sacrifices were made to both groups to propitiate them.

Size (cms): 28(H) x 24(W) x 16(D)
Size (inches): 11(H) x 9.5(W) x 6.5(D)

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Pair of Demon Scarers
Karnataka

brass alloy

A beautiful pair of brass cast Bhairava heads also know as a ‘Demon Scarers’. Both visages are moustachioed with vicious gaping mouths with large teeth, fangs and protruding tongues. The heads have a rounded tubular extension at their base, which would fit over a pole and could be carried above the heads of the populace during festivals and processions.

Such monster figures and monster masks depict a demonic form of Bhairava, one of the avatars of Shiva. Some masks exhibited a distinct animal-like visage with huge teeth and a gigantic mouth. Those were often referred to as ‘tiger masks’. Some masks assumed the expression of a gargoyle with huge, bulging cheeks. Others incorporated composite features including tusks, bossing of the skull and occasionally the horns of a ram.

Protective deities such as viras (deified heroes), kshetrapalas (guardians), bhutas (spirits of various deities), including some daivas (devils) were expected to provide protection against invaders, thieves, the elements- fire , storms, floods, drought, disease etc. Since the earth was populated by gods and their counterparts in the nether world, demons, evil spirits and ghosts, prayers, offerings and sacrifices were made to both groups to propitiate them.

Size (cms): 29(H) x 23(W) x 15(D) each
Size (inches): 11.5(H) x 9(W) x 6(D) each

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Nandi Festival Toy
Maharashtra/Karnataka

Wood, polychromed

A decorative Nandi painted with patterns symbolising typical trappings including a saddle and head and neck ornaments. A right-facing swastik is painted on the saddle, symbolizing the sun, prosperity and good luck. The Nandi stands on a pedestal with wheels. Animal festival toys are used for ritual display and celebration during important festivities such as Pola, Holi, Shivaratri and Durga Puja.

Nandi festival toys have a special importance during the festival of Pola. Pola is an ancient thanks giving festival celebrated during the Hindu month of Sharavan during which farmers celebrate their cattle.

Nandi or Nandin means rejoicing, gladdening. It is the name of Shiva’s conveyance (vahana) the white bull, son of Kashyapa and of Surabhi. Nandi was probably a folk deity later incorporated into the Brahmanic lore. Nandi symbolises on the one hand moral and religious duty (dharma), and on the other, virility, fertility and strength. Apart from being Shiva’s vehicle, nandi in his form as nandikeshvara, depicted as a human with a bulls head, is believed to be one of the great masters of music and dancing. In southern India his recumbent image is placed either opposite the main sanctuary or in the hall leading to it, facing the linga.

Size (cms): 33.5(H) x 30(W) x 20(D)
Size (inches): 13(H) x 12(W) x 8(D)

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Nandi Festival Toy
Maharashtra/Karnataka

Wood, polychromed

A decorative Nandi painted in white with black dots and typical trappings including a bridle bit. The Nandi stands on a pedestal painted with a geometric star. Animal festival toys are used for ritual display and celebration during important festivities such as Pola, Holi, Shivaratri and Durga Puja.

Nandi festival toys have a special importance during the festival of Pola. Pola is an ancient thanks giving festival celebrated during the Hindu month of Sharavan during which farmers celebrate their cattle.

Nandi or Nandin means rejoicing, gladdening. It is the name of Shiva’s conveyance (vahana) the white bull, son of Kashyapa and of Surabhi. Nandi was probably a folk deity later incorporated into the Brahmanic lore. Nandi symbolises on the one hand moral and religious duty (dharma), and on the other, virility, fertility and strength. Apart from being Shiva’s vehicle, nandi in his form as nandikeshvara, depicted as a human with a bulls head, is believed to be one of the great masters of music and dancing. In southern India his recumbent image is placed either opposite the main sanctuary or in the hall leading to it, facing the linga.

Size (cms): 21(H) x 20(W) x 12(D)
Size (inches): 8.5(H) x 8(W) x 4.5(D)

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