Circa: 16th/17th century
H. 8 in.(20cm.) x W. 6 in.(15cm) x D. 2in.(5cm)
Condition: very good
Mahakala,
like Lhamo Penden, Yamaraja and Vajrapani, Mahakala is one of the Dharmapalas
who was originally a demon, and was later tamed by Manjushri and Avolokiteshvera
and turned into a fierce protector of the Buddha's teachings ( dharma ). He
is considered as an archetype deity, functioning as an enlightened being with
whom the practitioner identifies. As a terrific manifestation, Mahakala has the
spiritual power to conquer addictive emotions and to dispel inner obstacles. He
is the most popular of all the terrific deities in Tibet. We believe that this
Mahakala statue is once worshipped in a Tibetan home shrine.
This
clay sculpture of the three headed-six armed Mahakala in striking pose is one
of the rare works from the late 16th - early 17th century of Tibetan art. (However,
the design of motifs on the lotus and frame border suggested that it was made
in Napal, or by Napalese artist). He was modeled in great detail, and is depicted
with nine severed heads on his crown, wrapped in tiger skins, with four hands
striking forward in threatening gestures ( Tarjani Mudra ), and two feet firmly
placed on the body of ignorance. Despite its age, much of its original paint remaining
vivid, a rare occurrence given under the Tibetan clay modeling and painting techniques.