Dong Duong: Tara

VIETNAM, Quang Nam, Thang Binh

The statue is identified as Tara by an inscription found on a stele within the temple site at the old palace in Dong Duong, where this statue was discovered. The topknot on the figure’s head is fronted by a Buddha image, beneath which is a strapped band with a front plate bearing a diamond-shaped third eye. The facial features are those found on other sculptures from Champa such as the joined eyebrows, eyes that are set low, a short flat nose, and thick lips. The arms are held out with palms turned up at the wrist and facing outwards. Between the thumb and index finger on the right hand, the remnant of a lotus stem is visible though the flower is missing. The heavily breasted upper body is bare but the lower body is wrapped in an ankle-length cloth with distinct folds that begin on the left and are carried round the back. This wrap appears to be covering a more conventionally wrapped monastic skirt beneath.