Lot 219: A LARGE SILVER INLAID BRONZE RITUAL MASK OF SHIVA, SOUTH INDIAN, 18TH CENTURY

This 18th century ritual mask of Shiva, originating from South India in the Karnataka or Orissa regions, is a large cast bronze copper alloy work featuring extensive silver metal inlays. The piece is characteristic of Shaiva ceremonial objects used in Bhuta cult traditions of the Tulu Nadu region. The facial features are dominated by a prominent nose and large almond-shaped eyes with silver-inlaid pupils, framed by eyebrows chased with herringbone and rope-like patterns. The forehead displays a silver-inlaid Tripundra, consisting of three horizontal lines, and a central teardrop-shaped third eye. A stylized, flaring mustache is also rendered in silver-toned metal inlay. The deity is depicted wearing a high, multi-tiered crown decorated with geometric relief bands and a row of repeating triangles, surmounted by a frieze of five projecting hooded nagas or cobras. Small pointed ears are positioned at the sides of the head, and the lower edge features a serrated, cut-out mouth. 

L: 35cm