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As regards the straight sword, Ia 67

Life of Buddha Series Ia Plate XXXIV 67 2589a.JPG Life of Buddha

shows us the sheath held loose in the hand, therefore the shape is here very distinct. Shields are found in some variety. Besides the ordinary round ones, we see on Ib 44

main wall Series Ib Plate XXII 44 1178b.JPG main wall

in combination with a dagger, as in some very rare instances elsewhere) a large rectangular shield with slightly curved long sides; on la 9

Life of Buddha Series Ia Plate V 9 2560a.JPG Life of Buddha

the edge of the round shield is adorned with tassels. A smaller kind of oblong shield is to be seen on Ib 40

main wall Series Ib Plate XX 40 1176b.JPG main wall

a rectangular one, narrower in shape and curved, on la 3

Life of Buddha Series Ia Plate II 3 2557a.JPG Life of Buddha

l and lb 104

main wall Series Ib Plate LII 104 1209b.JPG main wall	main wall Series Ib Plate LII 104 1209b.JPG main wall

The same in smaller size is on lb 6 and 97

main wall Series Ib Plate III 6 1159b.JPG main wall	main wall Series Ib Plate III 6 1159b.JPG main wall
main wall Series Ib Plate XLIX 97 1206a.JPG main wall	main wall Series Ib Plate XLIX 97 1206a.JPG main wall

still smaller, only a hand-shield, on la 56

Life of Buddha Series Ia Plate XXVIII 56 2583b.JPG Life of Buddha

Of course it is not certain that there is actually anydifferenceinsize,possiblythevariation is only due to the sculptor.

The pictures of fighting are few and must be cautiously treated. Those on reliefs la 94

Life of Buddha Series Ia Plate XLVII 94 2602b.JPG Life of Buddha

Ib 47

main wall Series Ib Plate XXIV 47 1180a.JPG main wall

IB a 47a, we know do not take place on earth; they represent battles between celestial armies, but the same weapons are used as above-mentioned, the two kinds of sword, round and square shields, bow and arrows as well as a club and blowpipe la 94

Life of Buddha Series Ia Plate XLVII 94 2602b.JPG Life of Buddha

a battle axe and spear. The warriors in the fourthbattleII 113—wedonothnow whether they are earthly or celestial soldiers—are fighting with both kinds of sword and shield and some with daggers as well; the shields here are very small but this the sculptor must have done purposely to gain space for the combatants. The cuirass too that is being presented on lb 69

main wall Series Ib Plate XXXV 69 1192b.JPG main wall	main wall Series Ib Plate XXXV 69 1192b.JPG main wall

is far too small for use.