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Bhojpur Stupa 9: Reliquary
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Bhojpur Stupa 9: Reliquary
INDIA, Madhya Pradesh; circa 2nd century BCE; Soapstone;H: 14 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
This 2nd century BCE reliquary was discovered inside an earthenware box which was excavated from Stupa 9 in Bhojpur. Situated to the southeast of the Sanchi ruins, Bhojpur was once an area with approximately 30 stupas.
The soapstone reliquary consists of two similarly shaped lidded compartments, with a smaller one on top, and a much larger one at the bottom. Both compartments have a round surface and are Sumeru-shaped. The lid of the lower compartment is connected to the upper one by way of a short neck, while the lid of the upper one is conical. Bone and teeth relics were stored inside. |
