... Then, too, the ultimate evidence of Indian influence,
transmitted through the neighboring Srivijaya empire,
is the figurine of the so-called Golden Tara of Agusan
found in 1917 at Esperanza, about 28 kilometers southeast
of Butuan. Made of 21-carat gold and weighing nearly
four pounds, the Hindu-Buddhist inspired icon is seated
cross-legged. Based on its Indo-Javanese stylistic
attributes, it had been dated as belonging to the ninth
to tenth centuries, or more precisely to the Sailendra
period (850-950 AD) of the Srivijaya Kingdom. Believed
to have been crafted by local artisans, the figurine
suggests availability of gold ore then, and demonstrates
the artistic capability and technology of the people.... Click here to trace the discoverer of the Golden image and its present whereabouts.
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