Country Group: The Himalayas (Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia and Other)

Item id: 8943

Antique Tibetan Mahakala standing on a victim. , made of sandstone or a composite material, framed by a fire aureole on a lotus base. In his arms, he is holding a danda stick, a ceremonial knife called a karateka, and in his left hand, a skullcup. He is wearing a crown decorated with five skulls, symbolizing the five poisons: desire, anger, ignorance, pride, and jealousy. Despite his gruesome appearance, he also has a third eye that identifies him as a god and not a demon. This piece measures 3 1/4 inches tall x 2 1/2 inches across x 1 inch deep.