Making Faces: Self and Image Creation in a Himalayan Valley

Book Details:

• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press

• Author: Alka Hingorani

• Language: English

• Binding: Hardcover

• Edition: Illustrated

• ISBN: 9789383098019

• Pages: 147

• Dimensions: 9.4 x 8.0 x 0.8 inches

About the Book:

Making Faces by Alka Hingorani delves into the fascinating world of god-makers in the hill-villages of Himachal Pradesh, India. The book explores the artistic tradition of crafting face-images of deities (known as mohras) from thin sheets of precious metal. These mohras, commissioned by upper-caste patrons, are not only artistic creations but also cultural embodiments of divine and earthly relationships.

Through the lens of the artists – Taberam Soni, Labh Singh, Amar Singh, and others – Hingorani tells the story of the intricate process of making these divine images. The artists, despite their lower caste status, engage in the sacred act of creating the mohras, blurring the lines of caste boundaries in an area where such distinctions still profoundly affect social interactions.

The book provides rich visual and descriptive details of the harsh geography of Himachal Pradesh, where the artists often traverse mountainous terrain with little communication with the outside world. Hingorani’s narrative offers insights into the life of an itinerant artist, whose critical role connects isolated villages to the broader world. She captures the transformation of both the object and its maker during the artistic endeavor, presenting mohras as more than just religious icons—they also function as art objects and repositories of material wealth.

Illustrated with stunning photographs, Making Faces is a unique account that blends anthropology, material culture, religion, and art history. It is a deep exploration of the intersection of art, faith, and the social fabric of Himachal Pradesh, and will be welcomed by scholars and students in South Asian studies, religious studies, and art history.