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HaḍḍaDB
PathsThe smile of Haḍḍa

Path 06 of 17 · 20 works

The smile of Haḍḍa

Half-closed eyes, full cheeks and a faint smile: this gentle expression appears on almost every face modelled at Haḍḍa. This tour brings together twenty sculptures and follows the smile across all the figures of the monasteries: Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, deities, monks, brahmans, donors, musicians, and finally warriors and demons, whose smile turns fierce.

Locate these works on the excavation plan(3/20)
  1. Head of Buddha

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    Head of Buddha

    Tapa Kalān · Stucco

    The mouth sketches a subtle half-smile that gives this Buddha an expressive, compassionate air.

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  2. Head of Buddha

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    Head of Buddha

    Gār-Naô · Stucco

    The corners of the fine mouth are lifted by a smile. One of the few pieces from Gār-Naô.

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  3. Head of Buddha

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    Head of Buddha

    Tapa-i Kafarihā · Stucco

    An amused smile plays on this face of blended influences.

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  4. Head of Buddha

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    Head of Buddha

    Deh-i Ghoundi · Stucco

    A round, childlike, smiling face. From Deh-i Ghoundi.

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  5. Head of Buddha

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    Head of Buddha

    Pratès · Stucco

    Faithful to the canonical tradition: a gentle, smiling expression. From Pratès.

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  6. Head of Buddha

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    Head of Buddha

    Tapa Kalān · Stucco

    Of an almost feminine grace, this gentle smiling face is animated by a slight twist.

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  7. Head of Bodhisattva

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    Head of Bodhisattva

    Bāgh Gaï · Stucco

    The idealised face is gentle and smiling; full cheeks give it a round shape.

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    FindspotBāgh Gaï
  8. Head of Bodhisattva

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    Head of Bodhisattva

    Tapa-i Kafarihā · Stucco

    This Bodhisattva smiles broadly, and his posture suggests movement.

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  9. Head of god Indra

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    Head of god Indra

    Tapa Kalān · Stucco

    Indra's smiling mouth; the earlobes are stretched by heavy earrings.

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  10. Secondary Deity playing a musical instrument

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    Secondary Deity playing a musical instrument

    Tapa Kalān · Limestone

    This limestone music-making deity smiles with wide-open eyes beneath an incised halo.

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  11. Tête de génie

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    Tête de génie

    Deh-i Ghoundi · Stucco

    A gentle expression: round face, half-closed eyes and a discreet smile.

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  12. Head of Monk Bhikṣu

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    Head of Monk Bhikṣu

    Deh-i Ghoundi · Stucco

    This shaven-headed monk smiles broadly, affable, leaning forward.

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  13. Head of brahman

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    Head of brahman

    Deh-i Ghoundi · Stucco

    This brahman laughs or smiles broadly, his hair gathered in a topknot.

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  14. Head of female Donor

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    Head of female Donor

    Bāgh Gaï · Stucco

    Eyes half-closed, this donor smiles with a benevolent air.

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  15. Head of female Donor

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    Head of female Donor

    Chakhil-i Ghoundi · Stucco

    Youthful features: full cheeks and lips parted in a smile. From Chakhil-i Ghoundi.

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  16. Head of a young Donor

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    Head of a young Donor

    Bāgh Gaï · Stucco

    Eyes wide open, the smiling mouth reveals a glimpse of teeth.

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  17. Head of Warrior

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    Head of Warrior

    Tapa-i Kafarihā · Stucco

    Even the warriors smile: a soft round face beneath hair bristling in flame-like locks.

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  18. Bust of Musician

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    Bust of Musician

    Bāgh Gaï · Stucco

    The musician, head tilted and smiling, plays an instrument close to a guitar.

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  19. Head of Demon

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    Head of Demon

    Tapa Kalān · Stucco

    Here the smile turns unsettling, revealing boar tusks and spaced teeth.

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  20. Head of Demon

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    Head of Demon

    Tapa Kalān · Stucco

    Furrowed brows and a cruel gaze: this demon smiles, baring prominent teeth.

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