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Ajina Tepe: Head of a Buddha
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Ajina Tepe: Head of a Buddha
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Ajina Tepe: Head of a Buddha
TAJIKISTAN, Khatlon; circa late 7th–early 8th century; Clay; H: 18 cm; State Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia
Unearthed from the ruins of Ajina Tepe in Tajikistan, this head is a realistic portrayal of the facial features of the people living in the area at that time. The top of the head is smooth, as if shaven, with protrusions that scholars believe might represent some type of head covering. The eyebrows are closely placed and the wide eyes stare foreward. The earlobes show evidence of having once worn jewelry. The nose is prominent while the lips are firmly pressed together. There is evidence that the sculpture was once painted. Experts believe that the face may have been colored yellow, the eyebrows black, while other features were painted red. |
