Demon soldiers of Mara's army

As the great ascetic who would become the Buddha sat meditating during the period of his Enlightenment, the demon Mara, a personification of evil and death, sent demonic troops to attack him, but they were overcome by his worthiness. The demon soldiers are sometimes shown, as here, humbled after their defeat. This plaque probably comes from a ruined temple complex in Pegu, the former kingdom of the Mon people. Built under royal patronage, the complex included shrines dedicated to various events during and immediately after the Enlightenment. It was abandoned long ago and fell into decay.

The tips of the demon’s snouts have slight restorations made before the piece entered the museum’s collection.