A Technical Study of a Head Attributed to Hadda, Afghanistan

Abstract

This study characterizes the materials and construction methods of a fourth- to fifth-century ce over-lifesized, polychromed head of a Buddhist figure in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums that is believed to be from Hadda, Afghanistan. Many sculptures from this monastic site and others in Greater Gandhara (located in parts of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan) were described using the general term “stucco” by the Europeans who collected them in the early twentieth century. Through technical imaging and analysis, this investigation identifies the specific materials of this object to provide a basis of comparison for related sculptures in other collections. While a great variety of materials and techniques—used alone or in combination with others—have been identified on related objects, few of these objects have undergone imaging and analysis to verify materials and visualize construction methods. Examination and analytical methods used in this study included visual examination, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), radiocarbon dating, and materials analyses by x-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive microanalysis (SEM-EDS), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thin-section petrography. The micromorphology and analysis of samples indicated that the solid head is composed of a lime stucco mixture including varied silicates and carbonates (both calcite and dolomite), and inclusions of fired ceramic and rock fragments. This mixture was applied in layers in situ starting with a coarse-grained core and finishing with a fine layer, with a higher proportion of lime binder. A wooden post, with a likely nineteenth-century date, is embedded within the damaged internal structure and may have been added to replace part of an original armature. Pigments used for polychromed details were identified as ochers and carbon black, with limited use of red lead.