Bust of Gandharva
Tapa Kalān - Figure
This winged hybrid genius is a Gandharva, a genius of the air. He is represented in flight, in a semi-recumbent position. His body ends, like that of the centaurs, in a horse's hindquarters. Above his shoulder appear two small wings. He appears naked. With both hands, he holds a rope hanging from his chest, probably to hold a weapon (many warriors fix their quivers or the scabbard of their sword in the same way). A sort of veil seems to be wrapped around his neck.
Observation :This head has been recorded twice in the "Catalogue of the National Museum of Afghanistan". The first time P. 460, K.p. Ha. 1302.369 from fig. 108c of Barthoux's publication, the second time P. 466, K.p. Ha. 1323.390 from a photo from the private photographic collection of Lolita Nehru.
Bibliographical References :BARTHOUX Jules - 1930 - Les Fouilles de Haḍḍa, Figures et Figurines - Pl. 108 c
TISSOT Francine - 2006 - Catalogue of the National Museum of Afghanistan (1931 – 1985) - P. 460, K.p. Ha. 1302.369
