Head of the Buddha

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This head is from a life-sized Buddha Shakyamuni image that may have originated at the end of the Sailendra dynasty's reign over Java between AD 760 and 830. The Sailendra rulers were fierce advocates for Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism, erecting numerous Buddhist monuments in central Java, including the majestic Borobudur temple complex. The Sailendra dynasty ruled central Java from 760 until 800, establishing a strong foundation for Mahayana Buddhism in the region and constructing an impressive series of Buddhist monuments. Among these, Borobudur stands out as a three-dimensional mandala, a cosmic diagram that was designed to represent the universe. This magnificent temple complex was adorned with intricate narrative reliefs and free-standing sculptures, showcasing the artistic prowess of the Sailendra dynasty. This head is likely from a large-scale seated Buddha image in this region. By the early 9th century, the Sailendras were displaced by the Sanjaya dynasty, which allowed Buddhism to continue flourishing while instigating a Hindu renaissance marked by the construction of the grand Prambanan temple complex. As the ruling houses moved to east Java in the 10th century, central Java fell into neglect.