Cleveland Museum of Art

Head of Jina

Date

c. 150–75 CE

Medium

red mottled sandstone

Culture

India, Mathura, Kushan period

Department

Indian and Southeast Asian Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

The short rows of hair show the new growth after this figure pulled out every lock by hand. Such a radical act demonstrated renunciation from a society that dictated the wearing of long hair to be covered by a turban. Since there is no protrusion at the top of the head, he can be recognized as a Jina, rather than a Buddha or other holy man. His slight smile and placid alert gaze communicate the power, bliss, and wisdom of one who has reached a state of pure knowing and liberation from delusions.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.