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Tara Statue

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description Tara Statue Overview

This bronze sculpture represents Tara, a significant Buddhist goddess within Sri Lanka’s religious tradition. Dating from the 7th or 8th century, it is considered a valuable relic originating from the Anuradhapura period. The statue's size and use of gilt bronze distinguish it as a rare example of its type. It holds particular interest for scholars studying ancient Sri Lankan Buddhism, art historians examining Buddhist iconography, and those exploring religious relics.

help Tara Statue FAQ

Where is the Tara Statue currently displayed?

The Tara Statue is housed in the British Museum in London, where it has been part of the collection since the colonial era. It was acquired from Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) and remains one of the most significant Anuradhapura-period bronzes outside of South Asia.

What period does the Tara Statue date from?

The statue dates to the 7th or 8th century CE, placing it squarely within Sri Lanka's Anuradhapura period. It is considered rare for its large scale in gilt bronze from this era of South Asian Buddhist art.

What material and technique were used to make the Tara Statue?

The figure is a gilt-bronze sculpture, meaning a bronze base was overlaid with gold gilding using techniques characteristic of Anuradhapura-period metalworking. The lost-wax casting method used to create it was well established in the region by this period.

Has there been any controversy over the Tara Statue's ownership?

Like many colonial-era acquisitions in the British Museum, the Tara Statue has been discussed in the broader context of repatriation debates involving South Asian cultural heritage. The British Museum has not returned the statue, and it remains on public display in the museum's Asian galleries.

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