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Dalverzin Tepe: Head of a Buddha
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Dalverzin Tepe: Head of a Buddha
UZBEKISTAN, Surkhandarya, Termez; circa 4th–5th century; Clay; H: 40 cm; Fine Arts Scientific Research Institute, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
There was a strong Buddhist presence in Termez during the Sassanid period (224-651), from which this work dates. Most sculptures from the area were created using clay or limestone since the local terrain lacks schist.
The round face and the way the hair is arranged reflect Gandhara style. The curls have been molded individually and then applied to the head and topknot. The Buddha has large eyes and the lines of the eyebrows join to define the nose. The absence of an urna has led to the speculation that it was once a painted addition. |
