Head of Jina

Description

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.

Provenance

(Heeramaneck Galleries, New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (?–1962); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1962–)

Head of Jina

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c. 150–75 CE

Accession Number

1962.47

Medium

red mottled sandstone

Dimensions

Overall: 21.6 x 18.3 cm (8 1/2 x 7 3/16 in.)

Classification

Sculpture

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund