When and why was this stele made?
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2024-11-21T09:42:17-08:00
This stele was likely created around the 6th century CE in the Shaanxi province in China. Buddhism was extremely popular in Northern China leading up to the 6th century. However, it was also caught up in political turmoil following the collapse of the Han Dynasty in 220 CE. The eventual location of the creation of the stele was the capital of several short-lived regional dynasties until eventually being taken over by the Northern Wei Dynasty. In the late 5th century CE, Northern Wei Emperor Xiaowen enacted reforms that sought to reshape the area's culture. A consequence of these reforms is a visible change in the style of Buddhist art from foreign influence to a traditional Chinese aesthetic. The Northern Wei Dynasty controlled parts of the Shaanxi province, and this Buddhist stele was created in this context.
Many of the steles created during this time were sponsored by families or individual donors, including members of the imperial family. These steles were commissioned to enrich a temple environment, suggesting they were meant to aid in worship practices. Buddhism grew popular in China during the Northern Wei not only because it was the state religion of the Tuoba Wei rulers but also because it emphasized ensuring the quality of an individual’s next life. This idea appealed to people of all social classes; as such, steles like this were often commissioned to secure comfort for an individual and his family in their future lives.
Cave temples and carvings like this stele have been found at essential locations along ancient roadways. These sites were undoubtedly important for Buddhist missionaries and could have been places to stop. The stele presents the Buddha frontally enthroned and flanked by two bodhisattvas, suggesting it was necessary for the worship practices of Buddhist devotees. The second side of the stele, in addition to a standing Buddha triad, displays narrative scenes from the life of Prince Siddhartha, the historical Buddha. This piece may have been used by monks to spread the teachings of the Buddha.
Jacob Ryan, Class of 2025, College of the Holy Cross
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