Indian - Head of an Indian Village Deity - Walters 2563 (cropped)

Beginning as early as the 4th century BC, India played a vital role in international trade between the Roman, Parthian, and Chinese empires. Trade goods from the Far East included raw silk, gemstones, aromatic resins, and spices, particularly cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves. They traveled on different trade routes-the Silk-, Spice-, and Incense Routes.

Trade stimulated urbanization in India; this growth inspired new cultural and artistic practices. Much of the surviving art from this period in India-like this clay sculpture-represents divine figures. This piece has simplified facial features, large eyes, and an elaborate hairstyle. This style is typical of village artisans working during the rule of the Mauryan Empire (324-181 BC).