Reliëf met religieuze voorstelling before 1868

This is a photograph of a relief with a religious scene by William H. Griggs. The central motif is a stupa-like structure, adorned with intricate carvings. The stupa, originally a burial mound, evolved into a symbol of the Buddha's teachings and enlightenment. This form echoes the dome of the heavens, a universal symbol found in many cultures, representing the cosmos and spiritual transcendence. Notice how it is decorated with figures and patterns; these are not mere decoration but carriers of meaning. Think of the Egyptian pyramids, or the Roman Pantheon; all employ the dome to evoke a sense of the divine. The stupa is yet another manifestation of humanity's collective impulse to reach for the heavens, a timeless gesture resonating across cultures. These patterns invoke a deep connection to the spiritual aspirations of humanity. It represents a powerful emotional connection to the divine.