Bodhisattvas are spiritual beings of regal bearing, ready to take upon themselves the suffering of others, and to transfer their own karmic merit to other beings seeking enlightenment. Though this image possesses attributes of a Buddha - the dot between the eyes known as an ushnisha, as well as the fleshy rolls at the neck - the decorative hairstyle and jewelry identify the image as a Bodhisattva.

Both the size of this relatively small Bodhisattva image and the material from which it is made (stucco) tells us it probably originally served as architectural adornment. The head may once have been attached to a body rendered in shallow relief decorating the wall of a Buddhist structure, such as a chaitya hall. The effect would be very similar to that achieved in the terra cotta tile decorated with a musician, also included in this exhibit.