Bust of Gandharva

Photo by Jules Barthoux ©GrandPalaisRmn - Guimet Museum
Location
Tapa Kalān35
Description
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.
Observations
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.
Characteristics
Technique
Modelling
Material
Stucco
Object type
Figure
Site
Tapa Kalān - 35
Conservation location
National Museum of Afghanistan
Museum inventory No.
MK 21, KM 62.3.164, NKM 04.3.41
Traces of polychromy
No
Restoration
No restoration
Technique
Modelling
Material
Stucco
Object type
Figure
Site
Tapa Kalān - 35
Conservation location
National Museum of Afghanistan
Museum inventory No.
MK 21, KM 62.3.164, NKM 04.3.41
Traces of polychromy
No
Restoration
No restoration