Most thoughts of holiness desert me when I set foot near the Jama Masjid. Just when the flight to the sublime is encouraged by the pigeons casting fleeting shadows on the domes, a sword of a nose cuts me to pieces. Straight, a slope of about 25-30 degrees taking off from a forehead as huge and inviting as the masjid's courtyard. Not a pockmark, not a pinch, the nose is a monolith. The nostrils flare out, the veins in a filmy red glaring through membranously. I can almost hear them dilating when the Afghan-looking man makes eye-slits at me. What impertinence -- ogling at an elder like that.
Elder begone to the devil, the man had fiery red hair looking askance at the forehead and his face, a reflection of all the wild colours, was on fire. And while his eyes cringed, the kohl lines seemed to come together, ending in wrinkles that went to his ears on both sides. I usually swallow and make a quick even if disgraced exit at these times. But there's something about noses that makes me want to change the usual about Cleopatra's face that launched whatever number of ships. It must've been her nose, I'm sure. And although I haven't heard of a discipline to study noses, there's a wealth of information there. (Remember Salman Rushdie going on and on about Salim's cucumber-nose in Midnight's Children?)
Some humble submissions (I occasionally look at women as well, but mostly, it's men and their noses):
* Regal,sharp: Hopefully below a regal forehead (marked by a uniform stretch of flawless skin, temple to temple). These people are mostly proud, straight, sometimes temperamental but subject to a certain vanity of appearance, knowledge, something or the other.
* Hooked: The very sensuous devils. These are people of detail and seem to be constantly scrutinising something/someone. Sometimes malicious, given to gossip but very charming.
* Flat, capsicums: Very pleasant, easy-going. Since the noses can only make the faces cute or charming as opposed to striking, the mouth usually makes up, curling interesting as they speak or smile.
* Rounded: Snobbish, child-like. Sometimes the nose takes a life of its own, making the best of smiles ridiculous. Coupled with a pout, can be very difficult people.
* Huge noses, dilated nostrils: Now angry, now melting. Very excitable people who then announce their temper with breathing nostrils. Reminiscent of dragons!
(Field studies on, will keep adding to database)
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1 comment:
Admired your nosology. I'm trying to recall a resoundingly Latin root for nose... but in vain. Am thoroughly enjoying your fearlessly candid posts. Honestly. Why do you keep calling it crap?
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