This is a Mohra from Himachal Pradesh. Mohra means mask; these are not masks and are never worn or used as such. They represent deities and are worshipped that way. However, it is called Mohra, reflecting the local tradition. Devata (Gods) is a better name for them.

The Mohra is worshipped and taken in procession, with appropriate decorations, on its own or in a group. Normally, they depict Shiva, Durga or Naga. Rarer depictions include local heroes and Saints.

This Mohra depicts a Goddess, Durga, adorned richly with two snakes on her torso. It is made of brass, and it is a cast piece as compared to embossed ones. The Mohra is smooth to the touch, worn due to decades of worship, and it may be dated to the eighteenth century or earlier. It is about 17 cm in height.

For more information on the Mohras, please refer to the site on the Valley of Gods.

This is the third Mohra on this website. It has a good pedigree, and it comes from Dr Pratapaditya Pal’s collection. The three Mohras in my collection are shown together for comparison.