Fragment of a Devotional Stele with a Bodhisattva

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Fragment of a Devotional Stele with a Bodhisattva

Place of OriginPakistan, northern Peshawar Valley

Date3rd century, possibly early 4th century

DimensionsH (with stand): 12 in. (30.5 cm); H (without stand): 7 3/8 in. (18.7 cm); W: 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm); Depth: 2 1/4 in. (5.7 cm)

MediumCarved schist stone with stand.

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGift of the Popplestone Family

Object number

2006.139

Not on View

DescriptionA relief fragment carved from gray schist, originally forming the upper right section of a stele. The fragment features a standing male figure facing left, identified as a Bodhisattva by a halo behind his head. He wears elaborate jewelry, a turban, and draped monastic robes (sanghati and paridhana). His hands are raised, holding a heavy garland. The figure stands beneath a trapezoidal border that likely framed a central niche; the inner angle of this border preserves a sculpted element resembling hanging fruit. The top edge of the fragment is finely finished. The stone surface shows natural iron inclusions and minor accretions.

Label TextThis stone fragment was once part of a large, intricate stele—a standing stone slab used for worship in a Buddhist monastery. Originally, it would have framed a central statue of the Buddha. The figure seen here is a Bodhisattva, a compassionate enlightened being, identified by his halo and rich princely jewelry. He stands in an attitude of devotion, holding a heavy garland to offer to the Buddha. Above him, a small carving of hanging fruit symbolizes spiritual abundance. The style blends local traditions with Greek and Roman artistic influences, characteristic of the multicultural Gandhara region.