Niche with the Seated Bodhisattva Shakyamuni Flanked by Devotees and an Elephant. Culture: Afghanistan (Hadda). Dimensions: H. 16 9/16 in. (42 cm); W. 18 1/4 in. (46.4 cm); D. 10 in. (25.4 cm). Date: ca. 4th-5th century.The lunette embellished the high base of a Buddhist stupa (relic mound) and would have been viewed from below during ritual circumnambulation. Shakyamuni is shown as a bodhisattva wearing the jeweled turban and textiles of a prince. The naturalistic anatomy and the complex classical treatment of interacting devotees seem remarkable given that the relief was sculpted about the fifth century--long after classical traditions in the West had declined. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.