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Head of a Central Asian Figure in a Pointed Cap

12th–early 13th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 453
In architecture, sculptures sometimes served as symbolic gate guardians, or in palace reception halls to represent the ruler’s servants. Nothing is known of the exact provenance of this head, which probably came from a complete painted statue. The facial features and the conical cap worn low on the forehead relate it to Central Asian imagery.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Head of a Central Asian Figure in a Pointed Cap
  • Date: 12th–early 13th century
  • Geography: From Iran
  • Medium: Gypsum plaster; modeled, carved
  • Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm)
    W. 5 3/8 in. (13.7 cm)
    D. 5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
  • Classification: Stucco-Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Gift of Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, 1942
  • Object Number: 42.25.17
  • Curatorial Department: Islamic Art

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