Ritual object (1) - Bronze - Mukhalinga - Mukhalinga - India - Early 19th century

The Mukhalinga is medium in size, and is well made. He wears a high ring crown on which the image of the goddess Ganga is visible. The god is adorned with earrings and a necklace that surrounds his neck; the third eye in the centre of the forehead is round in shape. Made of cast bronze in two parts and joined later, Shiva's face has a solemn and aristocratic appearance and combines the features of the most popular folkloric art with the most classic Hindu tradition. The expression conveys a sense of peace and serenity, a metaphor for energy that transcends matter. The artist who created the work gave him a human semblance allowing the faithful to have an easier identification in Shiva.