Colossal Avalokiteshvara, Alchi Monastery, Ladakh (Kashmir), 12th c.

Who: Colossal Avalokiteshvara

What: clay sculpture with pigments 

When: ca. 1100 (12th c.)

Where: Alchi Monastery, Ladakh (Kashmir, India) - near border of Tibet

Why: For worshippers to "remove vocal impurities and obtain a glorious body" (Leidy 156). 

How: Colossal statue constructed of clay 13ft. high, then painted with bright colors.