This figure of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion stands with the right hip flexed, the posture known as tribhanga, with the right hand in the wish fulfilling gesture (varada mudra). A small figure of Amitabha the Buddha of Infinite Light associated with Avalokiteshvara, is visible in the tall headdress. This style of dress with clinging robes, the right shoulder left bare, is reminiscent of the Indian Gupta style. The cult of Avalokiteshvara was popular during the Srivijayan period (7th - 13th centuries), particularly in the area of Palembang which was a major Buddhist centre in Sumatra at this time. Small metalwork figures such as this would have been portable objects that could have been circulated widely in the region.
