This six-armed form of Mahakala in this dynamic pose is one of the principal protectors of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism, to which most Mongolians have adhered since the late sixteenth century. Mahakala has been a special object of veneration in Mongolia since the thirteenth century, when he served as the state protector of the Mongolian Empire. One of Mahakala’s primary roles is to overcome obstacles to enlightenment. This is visually manifest in this sculpture by his trampling an elephant-headed god, who represents such obstacles.This sculpture was masterfully executed, and several details underscore the artist’s ingenuity. Among them are the use of a silver patina in the reclining elephant-headed figure’s skin as contrasted with his gold ornaments and clothing, as well as such details as the individual articulation of the facial expressions on the severed heads strung together around Mahakala’s waist.

Artwork Details

Title
Six-armed Mahakala
Dimensions
18 3/4 × 14 1/2 × 7 1/2 in.
Medium
Silver and gilt copper alloy with semiprecious stones
Origin
Mongolia
Classification(s)
sculpture
Date
18th century
Credit Line
Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
Object number
C2006.70.1a-f
HAR Number
65729
Published references
* Van Alphen, J. Collection Highlights: Rubin Museum of Art. (New York: Rubin Museum of Art, 2014). Pp.22-23

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Tantrism

Concepts

A religious movement that originated in India around the fifth to seventh century with sacred writings and esoteric teachings and practices transmitted from teacher to student through initiation. These remain an important part of Hinduism and Buddhism today. 

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Power

Concepts

A kind of energy that can be used, individually and collectively, to effect change.

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Meditation

Concepts

A contemplative practice in which a person uses concentration and visualization to achieve aims such as transforming the mind and generating feelings of compassion. Techniques include focusing on breathing or visualizing oneself as a deity.

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Wrathful Deities

Figure Type

Protectors of Buddhist teachings who destroy obstacles that impede the path to enlightenment. The more frightening and gruesome their appearance, the greater their power.

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Mongolian Regions

Region

Mongolians have been widely active in the Tibetan Buddhist world, playing a key role in Tibetan culture, politics, and relations with China. In the 13th century, the Mongol Empire—the largest contiguous empire in world history—facilitated the spread of Tibetan visual culture.

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