India, 19th-early 20th century AD. Cast bronze head of a goddess wearing necklaces and earrings and with hair jewel in the centre parting of the hair behind which is an elaborate hairstyle; in the centre of the forehead is a third eye. 2.4 kg, 20cm (8"). From an old London collection, formed in the 1980s. Heads such as this are mounted onto a temporary body during festivals and decorated in rich textiles and jewellery. They are then paraded round a temple or village where they will bless the community before being installed in a temporary shrine for worship. After the festival the head is returned to the temple.

Fine condition.