Head of Brahma or young brahman

Photo by Jules Barthoux ©GrandPalaisRmn - Guimet Museum
Location
Tapa Kalān68
Description
The hair is stylized and consists of rows of flattened curls, closed on themselves, which frame the face. The expression is not hieratic: the eyes are open, the half-open mouth gives a glimpse of prominent teeth, usually the prerogative of demons. The tense position of the neck and the upward gaze suggest a twist, a movement. He seems to be turning towards someone, perhaps towards the Buddha. The lobes of his ears are distorted, weighed down by square curls.
1928 / today


Excavation photograph by Jules Barthoux (1928) juxtaposed with a recent photograph by Alexandra Vanleene.
Characteristics
Technique
Modelling
Material
Stucco
Object type
Figure
Site
Tapa Kalān - 68
Conservation location
Guimet Museum
Museum inventory No.
MG 17307
Traces of polychromy
No
Restoration
No restoration
Technique
Modelling
Material
Stucco
Object type
Figure
Site
Tapa Kalān - 68
Conservation location
Guimet Museum
Museum inventory No.
MG 17307
Traces of polychromy
No
Restoration
No restoration
Bibliographic Reference
A debated title: learn to weigh the clues