Khandoba Mukhalinga

Exquisite brass, lost-wax, cast Mukhalinga from Maharashtra, also called Khandoba. Khandoba (Martanda Bhairava, Malhari, or Malhar) is a Hindu deity worshipped as a manifestation of Shiva, mainly in the Deccan plateau of India, especially in the states of Maharashtra and North Karnataka. 
The mukhalinga is a covering or mask used to give a face or iconic form to the abstract Shiva lingam. The face allowed worshippers to both see and be seen by Shiva, and would have been placed over the linga. The beautifully cast face of Khandoba wears an unusual cap or turban with finely cast floral decorations. The mukhalinga sits on the coiled body of a snake whose multi-headed hood rises up behind protecting the linga. Above the hood, corresponding to each snake’s head, are decorative lotus bud finials.