May 24, 2012
May 24, 2012
May 24, 2012
May 24, 2012
May 29, 2012

Head of a Deity or a Deified King

Head of a Deity or a Deified King

mid-900s

Sandstone

Overall: 37.4 cm (14 3/4 in.)

Dudley P. Allen Fund 1923.95

Description

The diadem is depicted tied to the intricate tiered headdress worn only by a god or king. Without further attributes, the identity cannot be known. Khmer sculptors of the 10th century emphasized powerful forms and extroverted expressions. The incised pupils suggest that this sculpture underwent the ritual of awakening, in which the eyes were added last. The royal head on the left is from a temple dedicated to Shiva, which was established by the Khmer king Jayavarman IV (928–942) in his remote capital of Koh Ker, 100 miles north of Angkor.

See also
Collection: 
Cambodian Art
Type of artwork: 
Sculpture
Medium: 
Sandstone
Credit line: 
Dudley P. Allen Fund

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