Adoring Attendant from a Buddhist Shrine, c. 300s-400s. The medium of stucco became popular after the 4th century for works made for Buddhist sanctuaries, especially in the desert regions of Afghanistan where stone was less available. The more malleable material allowed sculptors to create sensitive and supplely modeled forms. The stucco sculptures were covered with a thin coat of lime-based whitewash, then painted; traces of original red pigment remain in some areas.