Reacting against redundancy begets pure enchantment: Nisha's face mould represents an artistic and anthropological artifact of the Pahari tribe in the Himalayan region of Jammu. Oval-shaped and made of metal, a mould like this represents the integral facet of Nisha's embodiment as a woman, thus symbolizing and manifesting Pahari tribal culture and heritage. Carvings inscribed upon the upper section bearing her name and place give witness to her such that she is identified as inhabiting the mountainous part of Jammu. One can sense in this distinctive is the personal and cultural identity usually anchored in tribal art of the Himalayas. The small Pahari tribe divided into Rajputs has cultural history since ancient times in the Himalayas.
Tracing this lineage of warriors, sporting indigenous Indian traditional dresses and unique physiognomy forms that find visual expression in the local art and sculpture underrated by popular history, such Pahari-Rajputs form a substantive block of local tribes in the Himalayan States. Metal face moulds represent one significant example of old craftsmanship, destined to be used for ceremonial functions and memorial purposes. These crafts reflect the ancestral heritage and identity of the tribe, often handed down from generation to generation. Metal is a lasting material as well as an entity deserving of respect, which speaks of the significance of the person being represented. Pieces such as this lend themselves to a discussion about regional artistry and also shed light on the socio-cultural fabric of Himalayan tribes, which remains to be elucidated about by popular history. Their conservation is crucial for ethnographical studies as well as for the appreciation of India's culturally diverse heritage.