Head of a deity

This head was made in the thirteenth century in central Thailand in a style related to those of the ancient kingdom of Angkor (located in what is now Cambodia and northeastern Thailand). Scientists are developing methods to detect and study the natural patina that forms through minute changes that take place on the surface of stone over time with exposure to oxygen, water, heat, and cold; these techniques are still being refined. Weathering (erosion, root marks, deposits) can be useful indications of age, but unfortunately the appearance of age can be induced by chemicals or faked with paint. For now, we depend on careful examination with a trained eye to detect and evaluate the presence of rootlets, lichens, wear, and dirt. These are currently often our best indicators of the true age of a stone carving. This head is stylistically consistent with similar works from the thirteenth century, and under a microscope traces of tiny rootlets can be seen, confirming the dating.