Head of a Kushan ruler

India / South Asia Collection

Accession Nr.: 6335
Type: sculpture
Date of production:
2nd c. A.D.
Mathura art
Place of production:
Materials: red sandstone
Techniques: carved
Dimensions: height: 18 cm
width: 12 cm
depth: 10.5 cm
2.42 kg
Mathura was the dominant center of Indian plastic art, using the characteristic yellow spotted red sandstone for its basic material. The city was the capital of the Kushan Empire (1-4th c. A.D.). The male head fragment wears a tall helmet-like headdress that looks foreign to Indian culture and is a typical Kushana wear. In front of the headdress, a human head can be seen in a halo.