Mathura: Head of a Bodhisattva

INDIA, Uttar Pradesh, Mathura

Unearthed from Mathura, this is a typical Bodhisattva’s head from the Kushan period (circa 1st–3rd century), most of which are depicted as young aristocrats wearing a fancy turban. First, a piece of silk cloth is wrapped about the forehead and secured on both ends with a metal clasp. The rest of the cloth is knotted into the hair to form the headdress and here incorporates a beaded ornament. Another long piece of silk is wrapped around the first piece to form a large circular floral knot. The section behind is flame-patterned and suggests a nimbus. A patterned section of cloth hangs down behind to protect the neck. The head looks down smiling and a broad necklace is just visible on the left.