Mahakala
Figure
1650-1800 (made)
1650-1800 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This is a painted clay image of the six-armed Mahakala, a wrathful protector of the Buddhist religion (or Idharmapala). This form is particularly revered by the Gelukpa (or dGe lugs pa) order. Clay was, and still is, widely used for images in Tibet, but the fragility of such images means that they are rarely seen outside the country. The inclusion of human bone ash may suggest that this was a commemorative image made partly as a shrine incorporating the remains of a revered religious figure.
The anger of Mahakala, shown in the surounding aureole of flames, roaring mouth and bulging eyes, is directed at the enemies of the Buddhist religion. His attributes, including the crown of skulls, garland of severed heads and chopper and skull cup (held by the two inner hands), all represent the means of destroying and transforming inner or outer obstacles to enlightened awareness.
The anger of Mahakala, shown in the surounding aureole of flames, roaring mouth and bulging eyes, is directed at the enemies of the Buddhist religion. His attributes, including the crown of skulls, garland of severed heads and chopper and skull cup (held by the two inner hands), all represent the means of destroying and transforming inner or outer obstacles to enlightened awareness.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Mahakala (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Painted clay, flour paste and human bone-ash |
| Brief description | Mahakala, painted clay, flour-paste and human bone ash, Tibet, 1650-1800 |
| Dimensions |
|
| Gallery label | Mahakala
1650–1800
Mahakala is one of the most important defenders
(dharmapala) of the Buddhist faith. At an inner level, he
helps practitioners to overcome spiritual obstacles. Clay
was, and still is, widely used for images in Tibet. Here, the
inclusion of human bone ash suggests that the image
was made partly as a shrine for the remains of a revered
religious figure.
Painted clay, flour paste and human bone ash
Tibet
Museum no. IS.178-1964(14/06/2011) |
| Credit line | Given by Harold Wakelam |
| Object history | This object was acquired in Mukden (Manchuria) about 1920-25. During the repair of damage it was discovered that prayer rolls printed on paper and wrapped in coloured silk damasks had been embedded in the image; the prayers were written in Tibetan characters but in the Sanskrit language. |
| Historical context | Mahakala is a Buddhist adaptation of Shiva in his vengeful (ugra) manifestation. In the Buddhist context Mahakala serves as defender of the faith (dharmapala) and is particularly revered in this role by followers of the dGe-lugs-pa ("Yellow Cap") sect. Clay was widely used for images in Tibetan temples but examples are rarely seen outside Tibet because of their fragility. |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This is a painted clay image of the six-armed Mahakala, a wrathful protector of the Buddhist religion (or Idharmapala). This form is particularly revered by the Gelukpa (or dGe lugs pa) order. Clay was, and still is, widely used for images in Tibet, but the fragility of such images means that they are rarely seen outside the country. The inclusion of human bone ash may suggest that this was a commemorative image made partly as a shrine incorporating the remains of a revered religious figure. The anger of Mahakala, shown in the surounding aureole of flames, roaring mouth and bulging eyes, is directed at the enemies of the Buddhist religion. His attributes, including the crown of skulls, garland of severed heads and chopper and skull cup (held by the two inner hands), all represent the means of destroying and transforming inner or outer obstacles to enlightened awareness. |
| Bibliographic reference | Tibetan art / John Lowry. London: H. M. Stationery Office, 1973
p. 41, pl. 15 |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | IS.178-1964 |
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| Record created | February 13, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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