This fragment of a sculpture of a chauri bearer (attendant holding a fly-whisk) was probably part of a larger panel originally on a stupa, a mound-shaped structure housing, protecting, and honoring important religious objects. The architectural design of a stupa carries symbolic meaning. For example, the fourteen rings around the spires of modern stupas represent the fourteen stages of the Buddha on his path to enlightenment. At some stupas, visitors will hear bells tinkling in the breeze, a sound meant to convey a feeling of liberation.

Think of an object that is very important to you and your family. If you had the opportunity to design a building to protect and honor that object, how would you design that building? Try creating a drawing to show your ideas. Consider how the design of the building could reflect the history of your object and what it means to you.