

Monumental bodhisattva head, 4th–5th century
Pakistan, ancient region of Gandhara
Stucco
Pakistan, ancient region of Gandhara
Stucco
H. 23 5/8 in. (60 cm)
Gift of Christian Humann, 1977 (1977.191)
While monumental imagery became increasingly popular in the later Gandharan tradition, production was almost exclusively restricted to images of the Buddha. The turban and jewelry might indicate that this rare bodhisattva is a representation of Shakyamuni prior to his enlightenment. Alternatively, this bodhisattva may have attended a Buddha as part of a massive triad.







