Relief Plaque of Hindu Deity, Probably Processional: Face of a Deity

These "masks" were likely intended for use in the creation of lifelike effigies of the gods, the metal face to be affixed to a carrying frame and the figures dressed in textiles. Such constructions were intended for processional use, as seen in related practices in the Hindu communities of Himachal Pradesh, in the western hills of north India, where image-palanquins of this type are carried by devotees during festivals.