Yellow Jambhala

Jambhala is a wealth-bestowing deity, as expressed by the characteristic attribute he holds in his left hand, a mongoose disgorging jewels. It is believed that eliminating the “poison” of greed brings wealth. Snakes are a symbol of avarice, and the mongoose, as the destroyer of the snake, is therefore seen as a symbol of prosperity. Images of the mongoose disgorging jewels are meant to remind us that we receive by giving. The conch shell he sits on is similarly a symbol of plenty, and this form of Yellow Jambala sitting on a conch shell is primarily found in the Kham region of south-eastern Tibet.This sculpture is made from unfired clay, the most used material for sculpture in the Himalayas for centuries. In this traditional method, clay is mixed with paper and water to form a hollow sculpture. The inner form is gradually built by using coiled clay strips that are thinned by hand. Much finer clay is then used for the surface details of the sculpture. Separately molded limbs, ornaments, and head are then attached to the figure, and finally the sculpture is painted and filled with consecrated materials.