A Gandhara Schist Head of a Devotee, ca 1st century BCE/CE

from a larger frieze of fine grey schist, the lavishly mustached head inclined to the left, and wearing an elaborate headdress.  

Reference:  Carolyn Woodford Schmidt "Aristocratic Devotees in Early Buddhist Art from Greater Gandhara: Characteristics, Chronology, and Symbolism", South Asian Stud 21 2005.

Condition: fragmentary, condition commensurate with age with minor loss to the nose, some mineral accretion especially inside the crevices, nicely carved and presents very well.   

Dimensions:Width: 4 inches (10.16 cm), Height: 3 inches (7.62 cm)

Provenance: Private Woodbury, Connecticut collection, acquired in the 1960's and then by descent.