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London, Storbritannien
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This brass relief represents the Hindu god Shiva as Mahadeva (in the form of a great god). It is one of a rare group of ritual masks identified in the Chamba, Kulu and Sutlej valley regions of Himachal Pradesh, India. These masks were installed on portable shrines that were carried in procession during religious festivals.
The raised facial features have been worn smooth by devotional use. However, considerable cast and engraved detailing remains elsewhere. The pupils of the eyes are inset with a silver alloy, probably electrum. The mask is richly decorated with a crown dominated by a nine-petalled flower and with tassles at either side. Shiva's symbol - a crescent moon - is set in his hair. Similar flowers appear above the ears and the earlobes carry large circular earrings with a six-lobed design. On the chest there is a double chain necklace with a centrepiece container for an amulet (a charm to ward off evil).
Victoria and Albert Museum