Antique 10th / 11th century buff sandstone carving - head or bust of a deity - Buddha or a Bodhisattva from Central India. Mounted on a wooden base for display in the 1960's. The figure is a fragment of a larger sculpture and presents a serene and calming quality. The stone head alone without the wooden mount measures 13 1/4" tall x 7 1/2" wide x 6 1/2" front to back. With the wooden base the figure stands 15 3/4" tall overall. The wooden base measures 8 7/8" wide across the front x 8" front to back. Good condition - wear and loss to sculpture consistent with age. Presents beautifully. A bodhisattva is a being who is on the path to enlightenment but postpones their own final nirvana out of compassion to help all other sentient beings achieve their own enlightenment. This concept is central to Buddhism and represents an ideal of selfless action and compassion. The term traditionally referred specifically to the historical Buddha during his many lifetimes before enlightenment.