The excavation team of the archaeology department of Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan has discovered the largest Bodhisattva broken head and toe ever found in the country at Koi-Tangay in Katlang area of the district. “The antiquities date back to 4th-5th century A.D,” Abidur Rehman, field director AWKUM, told Dawn during a visit to the site on Thursday.

On the occasion, Mohammad Ashfaq, field officer, Javed Ali, field assistant, and other officials of the university were also present.

Mr Rehman said that excavation at Koi Tangay Kandaray, located in Mian Khan village of Katlang, was being carried out under the supervision of Vice-chancellor Dr Ihsan Ali.

He said that AWKUM excavation team found the largest stucco Bodhisattva broken-head and toe ever found in the whole country.

“The size of head is 70 centimetres in width and 77 centimetres m in length while the toe is 43 centimetres in width and 66 centimetres in length,” Mr Rehman said. He added that the pieces suggested that the particular sculpture must be more than 20 feet as well as it showed richness of the site.

“In first season excavation, we have exposed only 10 per cent of the total site and have found 243 coins of different dynasties and sculptures,” he said. He added that the team intended to close the first season excavation on June 26 and resume the second season on August 4.

Mr Rahman said that local people and residents of other parts of the country were visiting the site. “The cultural deposit of this site is about 30 feet which suggests its intactness and richness,” he added.

He said that due to advent of the holy month of Ramazan, they were closing the first season field work. On the occasion, he said, security arrangements were also made for the site.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2014