Stucco Head From Shotorak. Shotorak, Kapisa Province.

1965
Monasteries elsewhere responded enthusiastically to King Kainishka's efforts to revive Buddhism in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. At Shotorak (Little Camel), 4 kilometers from his capital at Begram, some 7-8 ruined stupas mark the location of the Shotorak monastery on a bluff on the south bank overlooking the Pansher River. Shotorak was at its peak during the 3rd century, but even in 630 the Chinese traveller, Hsuen-Tsang, reported 300 monks still in residence. This later Buddha head which was in the museum in 1965 (#63.23.2; h. 16.5 cm; h. 22 cm), but later looted. has some classic elements, but the liveliness of the early Hadda heads has given way to a mask-like quality. Perhaps it was even molded.
Photo: Ingo Guhr

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Filename: M-55.jpg
Copyright: acku Afghanistan
Image Size: 5184x4140 / 3.4MB; 1965 Afghanistan Kapisa Shotorak Little Camel Stucco Head Monasteries King Kanishka Buddhism Hsuen-Tsang Museum Ingo Guhr Slide LD 1965 02091
Contained in galleries: NATIONAL MUSEUM II: CE (Common Era)

1965<br />
Monasteries elsewhere responded enthusiastically to King Kainishka's efforts to revive Buddhism in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. At Shotorak (Little Camel), 4 kilometers from his capital at Begram, some 7-8 ruined stupas mark the location of the Shotorak monastery on a bluff on the south bank overlooking the Pansher River. Shotorak was at its peak during the 3rd century, but even in 630 the Chinese traveller, Hsuen-Tsang, reported 300 monks still in residence. This later Buddha head which was in the museum in 1965 (#63.23.2; h. 16.5 cm; h. 22 cm), but later looted. has some classic elements, but the liveliness of the early Hadda heads has given way to a mask-like quality. Perhaps it was even molded. <br />
Photo: Ingo Guhr