Art Institute of Chicago

Head of Buddha

Thailand, probably Nakhon Ratchasima province

Date

Mon period, 8th‒9th century

Medium

Sandstone

Culture

Thailand

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This damaged over-life-sized Buddha head exemplifies the Mon-Khmer artistic style of northeast Thailand during the late first millennium CE. Carved from red sandstone, this Buddha head belonged to a large statue and was likely produced in a regional workshop in the area of modern-day Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) province. Its broad face, elongated earlobes, nearly closed eyes, full cheeks, and delicately contoured lips convey a serene, contemplative expression. The large snail-shell curls adorning the head reflect a blend of imported and local artistic traditions. However, significant damage—including a broken nose, worn facial surface, and missing ushnisha (cranial protuberance)—suggests either natural dislocation or deliberate mutilation, possibly during later periods of conflict or looting. Although its original site remains uncertain due to the widespread displacement of artifacts, the ancient town of Mueang Sema is a strong candidate based on stylistic and material evidence.

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