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Head of Brahma or young brahman

HADB 285Inv. MG 17307Tapa Kalān
Tapa KalānFigureStuccoModelling
Figure in Stucco: Head of Brahma or young brahman, Tapa Kalān, Hadda
Click to enlarge

Photo by Jules Barthoux ©GrandPalaisRmn - Guimet Museum

Gallery (3)
Tapa Kalān

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

Head of Brahma or young brahman
Head of Brahma or young brahman
1928Today

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

A debated title: learn to weigh the clues