Figure of Mahakala, 18th century
Unknown artist, Tibetexpand_more
Ironexpand_more
Gift of the John C. Weber Collectionexpand_more 2023.66.11
Not on Viewexpand_more
The fierce Mahakala is one of the eight Dharmapalas, or protective deities, in Tibetan Buddhism. He takes a range of forms, and in this small cast iron sculpture of Shadbhuja, the six-armed Mahakala, we see the deity with widely splayed legs, flaming hair, and attributes such as a rosary of dried skulls, a skull cup, and a chopper, which symbolizes detachment from samsaric existence.
Details
- Title
- Figure of Mahakala
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2023.66.11
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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