NARO DAKINI - THANG-KA SCROLL PAINTING

Cotton canvas, mineral pigments.
Tibet, probably 18th cent.
In the Buddhism of Vajrayana images play an extraordinary important role based on expanded visualization techniques during meditation practices. Naro Khachenma dakini is one of personal deities (yidam), supporting the believer on his spiritual way. As a wrathful deity she helps in the struggle with uncontrolled, destructive powers of mind. Syllables of mantras, written on the back side of thang-ka, correspond with figures depicted on its face; these blessings give to the image spiritual power. In the traditional communities of Tibet and Mongolia every kind of creativity was at the same time religious activity, regulated by strict artistic and ritual canons.

MAP 5069, acquired in 1979.