Bodhisattva’s head

There is no evidence related to the origin. However, Prei Khmeng and Kampong Preach style associated with Khmer Arts before Mueang Phra Nakhon suggest that it was casted around the 13^th century B.E.

Bronze casting

This Bodhisattva’s head was damaged but it has been preserved until it was restored. The face of the sculpture is long with arched eyebrows. The eyes look downward. Originally, some jewels or valuables may had been buried inside the eyes but they had disappeared. The nose and the mouth are well balanced between a mustache. The long hair is put up in a bun above the head in a large cylinder shape. The hair is decorated with layers of Fish Roe Pearls. The symbol that was placed in the middle of the bun was lost. Therefore, it is unknow which Bodhisattva this sculpture is.

This Bodhisattva’s head was discovered along with other parts of the sculpture. The condition of the head is severely damaged; it is unable to be restored to its original condition. The Bodhisattva’s head was found at Ban Tanod, Amphoe Non Sung, Nakhon Ratchasima.

The significance of this Bodhisattva’s head is the same as the group of the sculpture from Ban Fai, Nong Hong District, Buri Ram Province; it is evidence of the rise of Mahayana Buddhism in Northeast since at least around 13^th century B.E. Its style is in Khmer Arts before MueangPhra Nakhon. This greatly reflects the relationsip between Thailand and Cambodia and it can be questioned whether or not the Mahayana Buddhism came to Thailand through Cambodia.

Found at Ban Tanod, Amphoe Non Sung, Nakhon Ratchasima

1. Bodhisattva from Mueang Fai, Nong Hong District, Buri Ram Province

2.Bronze sculpture from Khao Play Bud, Prakhonchai District, Buri Ram Province

สุภัทรดิศ ดิศกุล, หม่อมเจ้า. ประติมากรรมขอม. กรุงเทพฯ : กรุงสยามการพิมพ์, 2515.

สุภัทรดิศ ดิศกุล. ศิลปะขอม. กรุงเทพฯ : องค์การค้าของคุรุสภา, 2533.