Mathura School

Even in its highly worn condition, this head detached from a larger figure well illustrates the power of Kushan sculpture. The Kushans were a nomadic group of Central Asian origin who migrated to India and eventually extended their authority to include much of what is now Pakistan and Afghanistan. From their two main centers of power -- Mathura near Delhi and Peshawar in Gandhara to the northwest, two distinct artistic styles emerged. This head can be attriuted to Mathura, near which was an abundant supply of red sandstone with distinctive white flecks and striations.