Rawak Stupa: Head of a Buddha

CHINA, Xinjiang, Hotan

This Buddha’s head was unearthed from the site of Rawak Stupa, where numerous other Buddhist objects were found. Most pieces were located around the perimeter walls while this head was found in the southwest section. The head was already separated from the body when archaeologist, Aurel Stein, discovered it. Experts believe the damage may have been caused by the collapse of a larger Buddha statue nearby.
The sculpture’s face is elongated, with long slit-like eyes and eyelids formed by two clay strips. The eyeballs and eyebrows were created by incised lines and the lips are full. The urna was once colored pink according to the original survey but has now faded from exposure.