An evocative mask in which the holes referenced by Dr. Kenoyer can clearly be seen (Ancient Cities, p. 217):

"Mask with open mouth has holes for wooden teeth. Slight ridge forms an eyebrow that ends in a projecting, perforated knob. Half of the mask is reconstructed."

Elsewhere he writes about this kind of mask (pp. 82-83):

"Other ways of extolling the greatness of a ruler or leading community may have been through dramatic enactments or puppet shows. Terracotta masks and puppets have been found at both Mohenjo-daro and Harappa that include religious or mythological figures as well as the totemic animals similar to those found on seals (figs. 5.3, 5.4, 5.5 [above]). The connection between mythological and totemic symbols suggests that puppet shows and dramatic enactments covered both religious and possibly political themes.

"In the rural areas of Pakistan and India, puppeteers and bards commonly reenact or recite the exploits of the gods along with famous kings and queens. The myths and legends passed down from generation to generation by memory have never been written down. These performers were traditionally supported by the ruling classes and traveled from city to village once or twice a year to proclaim the sacred myths and glorify the local rulers and their ancestors."

Material: Terracotta
Dimensions: 16 cm height, 1 cm width
Mohenjo-daro, XXI NE 2a, MD 1380 National Museum, Karachi