This graceful, lightly smiling divinity originates from the Buddhist monastery of Fondukistan in the Ghorband valley in the heart of Hindu Kush mountains.
The Fondukistan monastery was excavated by the French Archaeological Delegation in Afghanistan in 1937 following fortuitous discoveries. A courtyard with a modest-sized stupa at its center was uncovered, onto which opened niches richly decorated with clay sculptures and mural paintings.
Each sculpted ensemble was organised around one group or one figure. This divinity, or devata, with its back to the lateral walls in a three-quarter view, in a “royal ease” position, would point at the Buddha seated at the bottom of the niche with nonchalant elongated fingers. It faced a similar sculpture -now lost- giving the whole ensemble a symmetrical aspect.
The elegance of the figure is visible in the refinement of the folds moulding the body, the details of the ornaments such as the headdress and necklaces and the sophistication of the curls and hairstyle, which make it a timeless and graceful masterpiece. The mannerism and Indian influence are typical of the Fondukistan site - a coin treasure found in another niche allowed to date the sculptures back to the 7th century - which showcases the last manifestation of Buddhist art in Afghanistan before the takeover of Islam.
